Bill > HB3545

This bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to expand regulations for contract carriers that transport railroad operating employees. The bill broadens the definition of "contract carrier" to explicitly include subcontractors and specifically applies to vehicles designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers. The Texas Department of Transportation is required to establish rules that address several key safety and operational aspects, including: limiting vehicle operators to no more than 12 hours of driving per day, mandating rest periods for drivers who work excessive hours, requiring detailed record-keeping of vehicle operation hours, implementing mandatory alcohol and drug testing for vehicle operators (including pre-employment, suspicion-based, and periodic testing), and ensuring commercial automobile liability insurance of at least $1.5 million per vehicle. The department is also empowered to create additional safety rules to protect passengers and the general public. These new regulations will take effect on September 1, 2025, providing contract carriers and their subcontractors time to adapt to the new requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3545