83R9850 JRR-D By: White H.B. No. 2735 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to an exemption from motor carrier registration for certain vehicles used to transport household goods. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 643.002, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 643.002. EXEMPTIONS. This chapter does not apply to: (1) motor carrier operations exempt from registration by the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 14504a) or a motor vehicle registered under the single state registration system established under 49 U.S.C. Section 14504(c) when operating exclusively in interstate or international commerce; (2) a motor vehicle registered as a cotton vehicle under Section 504.505; (3) a motor vehicle the department by rule exempts because the vehicle is subject to comparable registration and a comparable safety program administered by another governmental entity; (4) a motor vehicle used to transport passengers operated by an entity whose primary function is not the transportation of passengers, such as a vehicle operated by a hotel, day-care center, public or private school, nursing home, or similar organization; (5) a vehicle operating under a private carrier permit issued under Chapter 42, Alcoholic Beverage Code; (6) a vehicle operated by a governmental entity; [or] (7) a tow truck, as defined by Section 2308.002, Occupations Code; or (8) a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that: (A) has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of less than 26,000 pounds; and (B) is used to transport household goods. SECTION 2. Section 643.051(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) A motor carrier may not operate a vehicle[, regardless of size of the vehicle,] to transport household goods for compensation unless the carrier registers with the department under this subchapter. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.