82R20728 JAM-D By: Veasey H.B. No. 641 Substitute the following for H.B. No. 641: By: Martinez C.S.H.B. No. 641 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to insurance requirements for certain contract carriers. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 644.054(b), Transportation Code, is amended 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; (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 $3 [$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. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.