H.B. No. 3679 amends the Texas Tax Code and Transportation Code to facilitate the operation of certain vehicles during disaster situations. Specifically, it introduces a new provision allowing individuals who purchase dyed diesel fuel to operate motor vehicles on public highways during declared disasters, provided they furnish a signed statement with an end user number issued by the comptroller. This provision is applicable only during periods when the Internal Revenue Service has specified that it will not impose penalties for the use of dyed diesel fuel on public highways. Additionally, the bill adds a new subchapter to the Transportation Code that allows for the issuance of special permits for oversize or overweight vehicles transporting agricultural commodities during disasters, contingent upon authorization from the Department of Public Safety.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing sections of the Transportation Code, including the removal of outdated references to certain permit sections and the addition of new permit conditions to ensure safe operation and minimize roadway damage. The new regulations will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the changes to the Tax Code will only apply to conduct occurring on or after that date, maintaining the previous law for actions taken before the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 162.235, Transportation Code 621.102, Transportation Code 621.301 (Transportation Code 621, Tax Code 162)
House Committee Report: Tax Code 162.235, Transportation Code 621.102, Transportation Code 621.301 (Transportation Code 621, Tax Code 162)
Engrossed: Tax Code 162.235, Transportation Code 621.102, Transportation Code 621.301 (Transportation Code 621, Tax Code 162)