HB4605 - Relating to the designation of routes for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles in certain counties.

  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.