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Relating to the operation of and equipment for vehicles.
The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time due to lack of data regarding
the number of certain commercial driver license applicants.
HB 2837 would make several different changes to the Transportation Code. The bill would exempt vehicles driven intrastate that are driven not for compensation or for a commercial enterprise, as well as covered farm vehicles, from needing a commercial driver's license, and would allow vehicles designed to be slow-moving (25 MPH or less) to drive on improved shoulders. The bill would additionally allow emergency vehicles to park or stand anywhere at anytime, regardless of whether they are currently responding to an emergency. The bill would also would loosen requirements on emergency brakes for trailers and semitrailers.
Texas Action supports HB 2837 for promoting the principles of limited government and individual liberty. This bill make several different changes to code, but we believe it generally has the effect of increasing individual autonomy and reducing unnecessary regulations, particularly regarding the section of the bill relating to exempting vehicles from CDL requirements.