BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2855

By: Landgraf

Transportation

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the increase of commercial motor vehicle traffic with respect to trucks transporting sand in areas of the state already saturated with heavy traffic from the oil and gas industry. It has been suggested that an increase to the maximum weight limit for trucks transporting sand could reduce traffic in the region while improving safety for other motorists. C.S.H.B. 2855 seeks to address this issue by providing for a study on the impacts to roadways and bridges resulting from increasing the maximum weight limit for trucks transporting sand.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2855 requires the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to conduct a study on the estimated impacts to state and local roads and bridges, including impacts on traffic volume and safety on those roads and bridges, resulting from increasing the maximum allowable weight limits established for a truck-tractor and semitrailer combination transporting sand at certain gross weights and axle requirements. The bill requires the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, not later than October 1, 2020, to submit a report on the results of the study to each standing committee of the legislature with jurisdiction over transportation matters. The bill's provisions expire January 1, 2021.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 2855 differs from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways by conforming to certain bill drafting conventions.