The bill amends Chapter 725 of the Transportation Code to address the transportation of unsecured loads, creating a new criminal offense for violations. The heading of the chapter is changed to "Transportation of Unsecured Load," and the definition of "load" is expanded to include any object placed on a vehicle for transportation, rather than just loose materials. The bill specifies that the chapter applies to all motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers on public highways, with certain exceptions for vehicles involved in construction, agricultural products in their natural state, and commercial motor vehicles under specific conditions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that prohibit transporting loads that fall from vehicles or are positioned in a way that creates an imminent hazard. It mandates that vehicles must be operated to prevent loads from becoming loose or hazardous, and outlines requirements for securing loads, including the need for vehicle beds carrying loose materials to be enclosed and covered. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, contingent upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 725.001, Transportation Code 725.002, Transportation Code 725.003, Transportation Code 725.021 (Transportation Code 725)