Senate Bill No. 2949 seeks to strengthen the regulation of motor fuel transport and export operations in Texas by requiring individuals and entities in this sector to obtain an occupational license from the comptroller, along with associated fees. The bill introduces new requirements for shipping documents, mandating the inclusion of the transportation company's name and taxpayer number, as well as the specific border crossing location for fuel deliveries to other countries. It also grants the comptroller the authority to suspend a transporter's license without notice if they fail to ensure that their employees or contractors have the necessary licenses for transporting hazardous materials. Additionally, the bill establishes a new subchapter for export fuel transloading facilities, outlining operational requirements, licensing, and prohibiting the transfer of motor fuel purchased for export outside designated facilities unless properly licensed.

The legislation further enhances oversight by imposing reporting requirements on transloading facility operators, including daily logs of fuel deliveries and removals, and mandates that the comptroller issue licenses to qualified operators. It introduces new offenses related to motor fuel transactions, such as failing to obtain necessary permits and operating without proper licensing, with certain violations classified as felonies. The bill also amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow for mobile tracking devices to be used by authorized peace officers and prohibits overweight vehicles transporting hazardous materials on non-permitted routes. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with compliance and licensing provisions to be implemented by January 1, 2026, ensuring that offenses committed before the effective date will be governed by previous laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 162.008, Tax Code 162.004, Tax Code 162.104, Tax Code 162.105, Tax Code 162.110, Tax Code 162.204, Tax Code 162.205, Tax Code 162.211, Tax Code 162.403 (Tax Code 162)
Senate Committee Report: Tax Code 162.001, Tax Code 162.004, Tax Code 162.006, Tax Code 162.104, Tax Code 162.108, Tax Code 162.110, Tax Code 162.1155, Tax Code 162.204, Tax Code 162.209, Tax Code 162.211, Tax Code 162.2165, Tax Code 162.402, Tax Code 162.403 (Tax Code 162)
Engrossed: Tax Code 162.001, Tax Code 162.004, Tax Code 162.006, Tax Code 162.016, Tax Code 162.104, Tax Code 162.108, Tax Code 162.110, Tax Code 162.1155, Tax Code 162.204, Tax Code 162.209, Tax Code 162.211, Tax Code 162.2165, Tax Code 162.402, Tax Code 162.403 (Tax Code 162)
House Committee Report: Tax Code 162.004, Tax Code 162.006, Tax Code 162.105, Tax Code 162.108, Tax Code 162.110, Tax Code 162.205, Tax Code 162.209, Tax Code 162.211, Tax Code 162.402, Tax Code 162.403, Tax Code 162.405 (Tax Code 162)