HBA-MPA H.B. 495 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 495 By: Flores Transportation 3/21/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, more than 65 percent of all Mexican truck traffic entering the United States from Mexico crosses through Texas. Ninety percent of trucks enter the U.S. at seven of the 23 crossing points for commercial trucks, four of which are in Texas (El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Brownsville). In California, which the federal government identifies as having the most rigorous truck inspection program, the inspection stations at Otay Mesa and Calexico allow commercial vehicle motor carriers from Mexico to purchase insurance and file appropriate paperwork, register vehicles, and buy fuel permits. Vehicles are inspected for compliance with federal and state regulations, and taxes and tariffs are collected on freight. Providing one-stop border inspection stations on the Texas-Mexico border may improve state and federal tax collections and traffic flow and enhance safety inspections. H.B. 495 provides for one-stop border inspection on the Texas-Mexico border. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.613, as follows: Sec. 201.613. ONE-STOP BORDER INSPECTION STATIONS. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to establish and maintain one or more inspection stations along major highways at or near border crossings from Mexico so that all federal, state, and municipal agencies that regulate commercial motor vehicles can be located in one place. Authorizes the department to enter into agreements with the agencies to accomplish this purpose, including agreement to lease office space. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.