Texas House Bill HB3474

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to increasing the fee for a permit authorizing the movement of certain vehicles transporting an intermodal shipping container.

Impact

This bill's enactment will directly affect both individual companies and local jurisdictions involved in transportation and logistics. The increase in permit fees is expected to provide greater funding to the state highway fund, which can be utilized for infrastructure improvements, road maintenance, and other transportation-related initiatives. Additionally, certain financial allocations are delineated, with portions of the fee being distributed to counties and municipalities, potentially influencing local economies.

Summary

House Bill 3474 is a legislative proposal aimed at increasing the permit fee required for vehicles transporting intermodal shipping containers. The bill specifically modifies Section 623.404(a) of the Transportation Code to raise the permit fee from $6,000 to $8,000. This fee structure is critical as it governs the movement of vehicles that engage in transporting cargo in shipping containers that can be transferred between different modes of transport.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB3474 may arise from stakeholders in the shipping and transportation sectors who could perceive the fee increase as a financial burden. Small businesses that rely heavily on intermodal transportation might argue that higher permit costs could stifle competition and escalate operational expenses. Moreover, the distribution of the fee towards county and municipal funds may also invoke debate on fairness or equity in how transportation resources are allocated across different regions of the state.