S.B. No. 481
AN ACT
relating to safety regulations for certain contract carriers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 644.054, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read as
follows:
(b) The department shall adopt rules regulating the
operation of a contract carrier to which this section applies. The
rules must:
(1) prohibit a person from operating a vehicle for
more than 12 hours in a day;
(2) require a person who operates a vehicle for the
number of consecutive hours or days the department determines is
excessive to rest for a period determined by the department;
(3) require a contract carrier to keep a record of all
hours a vehicle subject to regulation under this section is
operated; [and]
(4) require a contract carrier to perform alcohol and
drug testing of vehicle operators on employment, on suspicion of
alcohol or drug abuse, and periodically as determined by the
department;
(5) require a contract carrier, at a minimum, to
maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1.5 million for each
vehicle; and
(6) be determined by the department to be necessary to
protect the safety of a passenger being transported or the general
public.
(c) The department shall inform contract carriers and
railroad companies that employ contract carriers of the
requirements of state statutes applicable to contract carriers.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 481 passed the Senate on
March 19, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 481 passed the House on
May 12, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 149, Nays 0, one
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor