The bill, H.B. No. 2118, amends the Transportation Code to facilitate the issuance of oversize or overweight permits for vehicles transporting agricultural commodities during or preceding a disaster. It specifically adds a new section, Subchapter W, which outlines the conditions under which the Texas Department of Transportation can issue special permits for vehicles that are either oversize or overweight. These permits can be granted during emergencies or major disasters declared by the President or the state, as well as in anticipation of events that may lead to such declarations. The bill defines "agricultural commodity" broadly to include various products produced in Texas, and it allows for the issuance of permits that expire 120 days after the disaster declaration or after notice from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the Transportation Code to include the new permit category (Section 623.451) and removes references to a previous section (Section 623.321) that is no longer applicable. It also empowers the department to impose conditions on permit holders to ensure safe operation and minimize roadway damage, including stipulations on vehicle routing and operational hours. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 621.102, Transportation Code 621.301 (Transportation Code 621)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 621.102, Transportation Code 621.301 (Transportation Code 621)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 621.102, Transportation Code 621.301 (Transportation Code 621)