BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2686
89R22003 CXP-F	By: Dean (King)
	Transportation
	5/20/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Commercial truck drivers of oilfield services companies currently must renew a registration and sticker for frac tanks every year but that tracking down frac tanks to replace a renewal sticker can be a time-consuming and inefficient process for companies.

H.B. 2686 seeks to streamline the registration process for frac tanks by issuing a distinguished license plate that does not expire or require annual registration. In doing so, the bill aims to reduce unnecessary administrative tasks, simplify the registration process, and provide oil and gas business operators with the same benefits offered to other token trailers.

H.B. 2686 amends current law relating to the registration of frac tanks and authorizes a fee.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 502.146, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (i), as follows:

(a) Requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue distinguishing license plates to a vehicle described by certain subsections, including Subsection (i). Makes nonsubstantive changes.

(i) Requires TxDMV to issue a distinguishing license plate under Section 502.146 (Certain Farm Vehicles and Drilling and Construction Equipment) for a frac tank that does not expire or require an annual registration insignia to be valid. Authorizes the alphanumeric pattern for a license plate issued under this subsection to remain on a frac tank for as long as the license plate for the frac tank is renewed or until the frac tank is removed from service or sold. Provides that the registration receipt required under Section 621.002 (Vehicle Registration Receipt for Certain Heavy Vehicles) is not required for a frac tank that displays a license plate issued under this subsection. Defines "frac tank."

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.