The bill, H.B. No. 3679, aims to facilitate the operation of certain vehicles during and after declared disasters in Texas. It introduces a new provision in the Tax Code that allows individuals who purchase dyed motor fuel and provide a signed statement with an end user number to operate their vehicles on public highways using that fuel during a disaster period. This period begins when a state of disaster is declared and lasts until 30 days after the declaration ends. Additionally, the bill amends the Transportation Code to include provisions for issuing special permits for oversize or overweight vehicles transporting agricultural commodities during or preceding a disaster, ensuring that these vehicles can operate under specific conditions set by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing sections of the Transportation Code, including the addition of a new permit category for vehicles transporting agricultural commodities during emergencies. It specifies that permits can be issued during a declared emergency or major disaster, or in anticipation of such events, and outlines the conditions under which these permits may be granted. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the new provisions will only apply to conduct occurring after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 162.235, Transportation Code 621.102, Transportation Code 621.301 (Tax Code 162, Transportation Code 621)