82R23931 MTB-D
By: Rodriguez H.B. No. 3308
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3308:
By: Martinez C.S.H.B. No. 3308
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of plug-in electric 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 "plug-in electric
vehicle" insignia authorized by Section 502.186 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 502.186 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.186. "PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE" INSIGNIA FOR
CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) At the time of registration or
reregistration of a motor vehicle, the department shall issue a
specially designed "plug-in electric vehicle" insignia for a motor
vehicle that:
(1) is made by a manufacturer primarily for use on
public highways;
(2) has not been modified from original manufacturer
specifications;
(3) is rated at not more than 8,500 pounds unloaded
gross vehicle weight;
(4) is acquired for use or lease by a consumer and not
for resale;
(5) has a speed capability of at least 65 miles per
hour;
(6) is propelled to a significant extent by an
electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that:
(A) has a capacity of not less than 4 kilowatt
hours; and
(B) is capable of being recharged from an
external source of electricity; and
(7) is not a recreational vehicle, as defined by
Section 522.004(b), that draws power from a battery or a hybrid
engine solely for purposes other than propulsion.
(b) The department shall issue a "plug-in electric vehicle"
insignia under this section 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).
(c) The department may charge a fee for the issuance of a
"plug-in electric vehicle" insignia under this section. The fee
may not exceed $20 per motor vehicle.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.