Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

________________________ TRANSPORTATION
77 th Texas Legislature
Texas Mobility Fund - S.B. 4
by Senator Shapiro
House Sponsors: Representative Brimer, et al.
During the last seven years, vehicle miles traveled on Texas roads have increased 4.1 percent annually,
indicating a substantial increase in traffic and the need for additional roads and road improvements.
Establishes the Texas Mobility Fund to fund, by the issuance of short-term and long-term obligation bonds,
all or part of the costs of constructing, reconstructing, acquiring, and expanding state highways, publicly
owned toll roads, and other transportation projects.
Ports-of-Entry at the Texas-Mexico Border Included in Transportation Plan - S.B. 192
by Senator Lucio, et al.
House Sponsor: Representative Pickett
Various ports-of-entry along the Texas-Mexico border are not part of Metropolitan Planning Organizations,
which direct future transportation projects and systems in urbanized areas of the state.
Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to include ports-of-entry projects for certain
areas along the border in its transportation improvement plan. Provides that this requirement applies only
to a port-of-entry on the border with the United Mexican States and not to airports.
Requires TxDOT to fund projects from money other than North American Free Trade Agreement
discretionary funds in allocating money to projects.
Regulation of Weight Limitations on Commercial Vehicles - S.B. 220
by Senators Shapiro and Ogden
House Sponsor: Representative Alexander
Modifies law regarding the regulation and enforcement of weight limitations and safety standards for certain
commercial motor vehicles.
Prohibits a vehicle from operating on a public highway or at a port-of-entry between Texas and Mexico, if
the vehicle has a single axle weight of more than 20,000 pounds or tires that carry a weight greater than
the weight specified on the sidewall of the tire, unless the vehicle is operating with a special permit.
Prohibits the overall gross weight of a vehicle from being heavier than 80,000 pounds, regardless of tire
ratings, axle spacing (bridge), and number of axles.
Authorizes the commissioners court of a county to establish load limits for any county road or bridge only
with the concurrence of theTxDOT. Sets out the conditions under which TxDOT establishes concurrence.
Requires a person who weighs cargo before or after unloading to keep a written record containing certain
information. Requires the record to kept for 180 days and to be available for inspection. Exempts vehicles
that transport timber, another agricultural product in its natural state, or solid waste from the requirement to
keep a written record. Provides that a failure to keep a weight record is a Class C misdemeanor.
Senate Research Center 302