BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1998

By: Lucio III

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

State law allows vehicles powered primarily by natural gas to exceed the prescribed vehicle weight limitations. This exemption subtracts the weight of the natural gas fuel and treats the vehicle as a standard diesel to determine the maximum weight. However, this exemption only applies to vehicles using natural gas and not those that use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPG systems allow trucking companies to travel greater distances and save a considerable amount of money in comparison to regular diesel-fueled vehicles. However, LPG systems can be quite heavy and companies prefer to transport more cargo instead of incorporating LPG systems that must adhere to the weight limitations. H.B. 1998 seeks to give trucking companies an incentive to incorporate LPG systems in their vehicles without sacrificing cargo space by making the exemption from the weight limitations applicable also to vehicles powered by LPG.

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. 1998 amends the Transportation Code to authorize a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is powered by an engine fueled primarily by liquefied petroleum gas to exceed statutory vehicle weight limitations by an amount that is equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the liquefied petroleum gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system. However, the maximum gross weight of such a vehicle or combination of vehicles may not exceed 82,000 pounds.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.