BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1364

By: Nichols

Delivery of Government Efficiency

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

For decades, state law has imposed wheelbase and horsepower limits on certain state agency vehicle purchases, with limited exceptions. Under the current language of the law, state agencies are prohibited from purchasing or leasing an applicable passenger vehicle that has a wheelbase longer than 113 inches or that has more than 160 SAE net horsepower. The bill sponsor has informed the committee that many current vehicle design standards are bigger and have higher engine outputs compared to vehicles from the time when the statute was originally enacted, making these requirements outdated. S.B. 1364 seeks to address this issue by removing wheelbase and horsepower restrictions on the purchase of applicable state agency vehicles, affording state agencies access to more options when selecting the best value vehicle for the needs of the state.

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

S.B. 1364 repeals Section 2158.003, Government Code, which prohibits a state agency from purchasing or leasing a vehicle designed or used primarily for the transportation of individuals that has a wheelbase longer than 113 inches or that has more than 160 SAE net horsepower and provides an exception to this prohibition for the following:

· a vehicle that will be converted so that it uses specified fuel types, regardless of the size of the agency's vehicle fleet; and

· the purchase or lease of an ambulance, a vehicle to be used primarily for criminal law enforcement, or a bus, motorcycle, pickup, van, truck, three-wheel vehicle, or tractor.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.