The bill amends Section 644.054 of the Transportation Code to enhance the regulation of contract carriers and their subcontractors, specifically those transporting railroad operating employees in vehicles designed for 15 or fewer passengers. It introduces a new definition of "contract carrier" to include subcontractors and specifies that the regulations apply only to those carriers involved in this particular transportation. Additionally, a new subsection (a-1) is added to clarify the scope of the section.

The bill mandates the Texas Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing the operation of these contract carriers, which include prohibiting vehicle operation for more than 12 hours a day, requiring rest periods for excessive consecutive hours, maintaining records of vehicle operation hours, and conducting alcohol and drug testing for operators. Furthermore, it establishes a minimum requirement for commercial automobile liability insurance of $1.5 million per vehicle. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 644.054 (Transportation Code 644)