BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
H.B. 2455 |
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By: Canales (Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy") |
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Transportation |
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5/19/2025 |
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Engrossed |
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Texas and Mexico share 1,254 miles of common border and are joined by 28 international bridges and border crossings. The Pharr International Bridge, located in Hidalgo County, is a critical trade corridor, facilitating trade between the U.S. and Mexico. With the upcoming completion of its expansion project in November 2025, which will double its capacity, H.B. 2455 seeks to ensure that the bridge can accommodate increased commercial traffic by allowing heavier vehicles under specific conditions.
H.B. 2455 amends Section 621.101(c) of the Transportation Code to exempt vehicles or combinations of vehicles from standard weight limits if they are operating under an oversize or overweight permit issued under the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority while at the Pharr International Bridge. This exemption will allow the Pharr International Bridge to compete with the Starr-Camargo International Bridge in Starr County and Progreso International Bridge in Cameron County, which have these same exemption privileges.
H.B. 2455 amends current law relating to the maximum weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles operating at certain ports of entry.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 621.101(c), Transportation Code, as follows:
(c) Provides that Section 621.101 (Maximum Weight of Vehicle or Combination) does not have certain effects or apply to certain vehicles, including a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is authorized to operate under a permit issued under Section 623.363 (Issuance of Permits) while the vehicle or combination is operating at an international bridge that is owned, wholly or partially, by a municipality in this state with a population of 50,000 or more but less than 85,000. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.