BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2749

By: Ellzey

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Population and industrial sector growth in Ellis County has led to an increase in commercial motor vehicle traffic on roadways in the county and, therefore, an increased need for enforcing commercial motor vehicle safety standards. Interested parties argue that increasing the number of properly trained law enforcement officers in Ellis County that are able to enforce these standards will result in safer roadways for all traffic. H.B. 2749 seeks to address this issue by making a sheriff or deputy sheriff of the county eligible to apply for certification to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards.

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. 2749 amends the Transportation Code to make a sheriff or deputy sheriff of a county that meets the following criteria eligible to apply for certification to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards:

·         the county's population is less than 250,000;

·         the county is adjacent to two counties that each have a population of more than 1.2 million; and

·         the county contains two highways that are part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.