81R792 SLB-D
By: Ellis S.B. No. 131
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of hybrid motor vehicles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 224.153, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
(e) A motor vehicle displaying the "hybrid vehicle"
insignia authorized by Section 502.1865 in an easily readable
location on the back of the vehicle may use a high occupancy vehicle
lane regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle unless the
use would impair the receipt of federal funds.
SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 502, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 502.1865 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.1865. "HYBRID VEHICLE" INSIGNIA FOR CERTAIN MOTOR
VEHICLES. (a) At the time of registration or reregistration of
the motor vehicle, the department shall issue a specially designed
"hybrid vehicle" insignia for a motor vehicle that draws propulsion
energy from a rechargeable energy storage system, either alone or
along with gasoline or conventional diesel fuel.
(b) The department shall issue a "hybrid vehicle" insignia
under this section without the payment of any additional fee to a
person who:
(1) applies to the department on a form provided by the
department; and
(2) submits proof that the motor vehicle being
registered is a vehicle described by Subsection (a).
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.