Texas House Bill HB2985

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/8/09
• Voted on by House: 4/30/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/24/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the operation of certain commercial vehicles in this state.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2985 is expected to reinforce the authority of TxDOT regarding the registration and operation of passenger transport vehicles. By linking state registration to federal compliance, the bill aims to enhance safety measures in the transportation industry. This legislative action reflects a growing recognition of the need for regulatory alignment between state and federal standards, particularly concerning the safety and reliability of passenger services.

Summary

House Bill 2985 focuses on the registration requirements for for-hire motor carriers of passengers in Texas. The bill amends the Transportation Code by introducing provisions that empower the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to revoke or deny registrations for motor carriers that are required to also register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if their federal registration has faced issues like denial or suspension. This change is intended to strengthen oversight and ensure compliance with federal regulations while operating commercial passenger vehicles within the state.

Contention

While the bill addresses crucial safety regulations, there may be points of contention surrounding the impact on small motor carriers. Critics of tighter regulations could argue that such measures might impose additional burdens on smaller operators who may struggle to meet both state and federal criteria. This aspect can lead to concerns about market accessibility and the potential for increased operational costs that may be passed on to consumers.

Notable_points

Furthermore, the bill's requirement for federal compliance before granting or maintaining a state registration could lead to a more streamlined process for enforcing regulatory standards. However, potential pushback from industry stakeholders who believe that current regulations are sufficient may surface during the legislative discussions.