Bill
HB 2142
85(R) - 2017
House Transportation
House Transportation
Agriculture
Highways
Transportation & Infrastructure
Vote Recommendation
Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
Author(s)
Kyle Kacal
Bill Caption
Relating to oversize or overweight vehicles transporting livestock feed, grain, or grain by-products.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, it is an affirmative defense to a prosecution regarding the operation of a vehicle heavier than one permitted by law if the vehicle was loaded with timber, pulpwood, wood chips, cotton, livestock, or other agricultural products. HB 2142 would explicitly expand this defense to include livestock feed, grain, or grain byproducts.
Vote Recommendation Notes
It is within the legitimate scope of government for the legislature to set weight limits for public roads. This legislation does not affect our liberty principles and we remain neutral. It might be worth considering that if there are going to be so many exemptions to weight limits, perhaps the limits are too low and need to be raised for everyone.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Cattle Feeders Association
Texas Farm Bureau
Texas Forestry Association