bill gives port-area counties a say on oversize truck routes

The text as introduced · 354 words

89R13396 AND-F

By: Leo Wilson
H.B. No. 4605

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the designation of routes for the movement of oversize

and overweight vehicles in certain counties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 623, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 623.009 read as follows:

Sec. 623.009. DESIGNATED ROUTE IN COUNTY. (a) This section

applies only to a county that:

(1) has a population of less than 100,000; and

(2) contains a port or is located within 15 miles of a

port.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 623.003, to the extent the

department is required to determine a route under this chapter in

the unincorporated area of a county, the department shall consult

with the commissioners court of the county to designate to the

department the route in that area. The commissioners court shall

consult with the Texas Department of Transportation, port

authorities, regional planning organizations, and trucking

industry before recommending the designation of a route under this

section.

(c) In making a routing recommendation under this section,

the commissioners court shall consider:

(1) the proximity of the route to ports,

transportation hubs, and intermodal facilities;

(2) existing roadway conditions, infrastructure, and

capacity to support oversize and overweight vehicles;

(3) traffic safety concerns, including accident

history and the safety of local communities;

(4) environmental impacts, including air quality and

noise pollution; and

(5) potential for economic development, including the

movement of goods to and from local businesses and industries.

(d) The Texas Department of Transportation:

(1) is responsible for installing appropriate signs

for the designated route; and

(2) shall allocate money from the state highway fund

for the maintenance of the designated route if authorized under

Subtitle B, Title 6.

(e) The Department of Public Safety shall have authority to

enforce requirements related to a route designated under this

section.

SECTION 2. Section 623.009, Transportation Code, as added

by this Act, applies only to a routing determination made under

Chapter 623, Transportation Code, on or after the effective date of

this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.