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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the issuance of an excess gross weight permit for |
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certain farm tractors on county and FM roads; authorizing a fee. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 623, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 623.0173 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 623.0173. EXCESS GROSS WEIGHT PERMIT FOR CERTAIN FARM |
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TRACTORS. (a) In this section: |
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(1) "farm tractor" has the meaning assigned by Section |
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541.201; |
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(2) "accessory" means any additional attachment being |
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pulled or carried by the farm tractor that contributes to the farm |
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tractor's total weight. |
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(b) The department shall issue an annual permit that |
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authorizes the operation of a farm tractor and any accessories that |
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are used for agricultural production on county and FM roads at a |
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gross weight that is not heavier than the weight equal to the |
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maximum allowable gross weight for the tractor plus a tolerance |
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allowance of 10 percent. |
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(c) To qualify for a permit under this section: |
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(1) the farm tractor must be registered as a farm |
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vehicle under Chapter 502; and |
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(2) the applicant must pay an annual permit fee of $90. |
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(d) A permit issued under this section must be carried in |
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the farm tractor for which it is issued. |
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(e) This section does not authorize the operation on the |
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national system of interstate and defense highways in this state of |
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a vehicle of a size or weight greater than those permitted under 23 |
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U.S.C. Section 127. |
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(f) A permit issued under 623.0173 does not authorize the |
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operation of a vehicle on a bridge for which a maximum weight and |
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load limit has been established and posted by the Texas |
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Transportation Commission under Section 621.102 or the |
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commissioners court of a county under Section 621.301, if the gross |
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weight of the vehicle and load or the axles and wheel loads are |
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greater than the limits established and posted under those |
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sections. |
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(g) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer |
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this section, including rules governing the application for a |
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permit under this section. |
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(h) Unless otherwise provided by state or federal law, a |
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county or municipality may not require a permit, fee, or license for |
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the operation of a farm tractor in addition to a permit, fee, or |
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license required by state law. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |