Bill: HB 799, 86(R) - 2019
Committee
House Transportation
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Transportation
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Brooks Landgraf
Terry Canales
Tom Craddick
Drew Darby
Bill Caption
Relating to liability for certain damage caused by vehicles
exceeding maximum height limitations; creating a criminal offense.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 799 would make it a Class C misdemeanor to operate a vehicle over or on a bridge or through an underpass or similar structure if the vehicle's height is less than the vertical clearance of the structure, including the vehicle's load. The bill would also clarify that the owner of any vehicle which is responsible for damage to a structure as a result of its height is strictly liable for that damage, barring certain exceptions such as the vehicle being stolen.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Texas Action remains neutral on HB 799 which does not appear to offend our liberty principles. It is within the proper scope of the state to administer the rules of the road and provide mechanisms for the payment of damage caused by motorists.