The bill, H.B. No. 3331, amends the Transportation Code to establish regulations for vehicles transporting steel. It introduces an affirmative defense for operating vehicles with axle weights exceeding legal limits when transporting certain agricultural products or steel, provided the weight does not exceed the authorized limit by more than 12 percent. Additionally, the bill creates a new subchapter that allows the Texas Department of Transportation to issue permits for truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations transporting steel, with specific weight limits and safety requirements. A permit fee of $1,200 is mandated, and the bill outlines the distribution of this fee, with 75% going to the state highway fund, 15% to designated counties, and 10% to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that permits must be valid for one year and carried in the vehicle, and it prohibits counties or municipalities from imposing additional fees or permits beyond those required by state law. The legislation also mandates the adoption of rules for implementation and safety training related to the permits. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 621.508, Chapter , Transportation Code 623.421, Transportation Code 623.003 (Transportation Code 621, Chapter , Transportation Code 623, Transportation Code 623)