BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1364
89R3925 CS-D	By: Nichols
	Business & Commerce
	3/13/2025
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Section 2158.003 of the Government Code requires all state agencies to purchase passenger vehicles with a wheelbase no longer than 113 inches and no more than 160 net horsepower. Enacted in 2009, these restrictions were designed to prohibit agencies from procuring high performing passenger cars, with exceptions related to law enforcement vehicles, buses, and ambulance.

However, these requirements are no longer compatible with the current market of passenger vehicles. Today's vehicle design standards are bigger and have higher engine outputs compared to vehicles from 15 years ago. For example, a 2024 base model Toyota Corolla has 169 horsepower and a 2024 Ford Escape has 250 horsepower.

This bill would repeal the wheel base and horsepower restrictions found in statute and give agencies more freedom to determine which vehicle best suits their specific needs. With the repeal of this section, agencies will have a larger pool of vehicles to select from and have greater capabilities to select the best value vehicle for the needs of the state.

As proposed, S.B. 1364 amends current law relating to the repeal of wheelbase and horsepower restrictions for the state's passenger vehicle fleet.

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. Repealer: Section 2158.003 (Wheelbase and Horsepower Restrictions), Government Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.