HBA-MSH C.S.H.B. 1128 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisC.S.H.B. 1128
By: Rangel
Transportation
4/12/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

One in five working Texans is employed in some form of agriculture.
Agricultural commodities add about $14 billion to the state's economy,
making agriculture the second largest industry in Texas.  Many agricultural
products and pieces of equipment are transported across the state using
commercial vehicles. Current law allows individuals who transport seasonal
products to and from commercial markets to purchase a monthly commercial
vehicle registration.  The fee for this registration is prorated for the
number of months the registration is effective.  However, owners of
commercial motor vehicles used primarily for farm purposes are not
authorized to purchase this monthly permit for a prorated fee.  C.S.H.B.
1128 provides for a prorated monthly vehicle registration for a commercial
motor vehicle used primarily for farm purposes to transport seasonal
agricultural products. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 1128 amends the Transportation Code to provide for a monthly
registration period for a commercial motor vehicle used primarily for farm
purposes to transport seasonal agricultural products.  The bill provides
that the monthly registration fee is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the
annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the
registration period. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 1128 differs from the original by restoring current law that
requires the Texas Department of Transportation to furnish a registration
insignia that is valid for the duration of the registration period.