Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3731

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to requiring the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to establish standards of uniform cargo liability, uniform bills of lading or receipts, and uniform cargo credit.

Impact

Should HB 3731 be enacted, it would significantly modify existing laws governing cargo transportation in Texas. By introducing specific liability standards and requiring uniformity in documentation, the bill would affect businesses involved in shipping and logistics. These changes could provide enhanced protection for businesses concerning cargo claims while also ensuring that consumers have clearer policies regarding cargo liability. The uniformity established by this bill has the potential to streamline operations within the transportation sector and reduce disputes arising from varying standards across different regions.

Summary

House Bill 3731 introduces new standards for transportation-related documentation and liability in Texas. Specifically, it mandates the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to establish uniform standards for cargo liability, bills of lading or receipts, and cargo credit. The bill aims to ensure consistency with federal regulations, particularly those laid out in Subtitle IV, Title 49 of the United States Code, which governs various aspects of transportation and logistics. A notable requirement includes a minimum cargo liability of $0.60 per pound per item, which aims to standardize financial protections across the state for cargo being transported.

Contention

While there appears to be general support for standardizing cargo liability and documentation, there may be discussions regarding the practicality of enforcing these new standards and their impact on smaller businesses within the transportation industry. Criticism may emerge around whether the minimum liability requirement is sufficient to protect consumers, particularly given varying values of goods transported. Additionally, there might be debates on the regulatory burden that these new requirements could impose on smaller transport operators, creating an uneven playing field in their competitive environment.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Transportation Code

  • Chapter 6. Sale Of Unclaimed Goods
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 361. State Highway Turnpike Projects
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4007

Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.

TX HB46

Relating to the denial of the registration of a motor vehicle based on certain information provided by a county to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

TX HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

TX HB387

Relating to the Texas State Guard uniform and insignia fund.

TX SB537

Relating to the Texas State Guard uniform and insignia fund.

TX HB3148

Relating to a vehicle storage facility operator's possessory lien on a vehicle and the vehicle's cargo, contents, and other personal property.

TX HB3380

Relating to the Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4885

Relating to programs established and funded under the Texas emissions reduction plan.

TX HB4987

Relating to the sale of specialty license plates by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

TX SB2229

Relating to the minimum coverage amounts of motor vehicle liability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.