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BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 3161

By: Bailes

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

It has been suggested that the issuance of a timber transport permit should be allowed for the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is being used to transport equipment used to load timber on a vehicle, similar to that issued for the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is being used to transport unrefined timber, as such equipment is well within the weight allowance of the permit and is hauled infrequently. H.B. 3161 seeks to address this issue by authorizing the issuance of a permit for the operation of a vehicle transporting equipment used to load timber on a vehicle in a timber producing county.

 

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

 

H.B. 3161 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a timber transport permit as an alterative to a permit for excess axle or gross weight for the operation of a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is being used to transport equipment used to load timber on a vehicle in a timber producing county. The bill exempts a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is being used to transport such equipment from certain locations to a place of first processing from statutory provisions requiring the party financially responsible for the permitted vehicle or combination of vehicles to execute a notification document and agree to reimburse the county or the state, as applicable, for damage to a road or highway sustained as a consequence of the transportation authorized by the permit.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2019.