Bill > SB2199

This bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to increase criminal penalties for overweight vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Specifically, the bill creates a new provision that makes it a felony of the second degree to load a vehicle with at least three axles transporting fuel or other hazardous materials in a cargo tank at a weight that exceeds authorized vehicle weight limitations. Previously, overweight vehicle violations were typically treated as misdemeanors with varying fine ranges based on the amount of weight over the legal limit. The new provision introduces a more serious criminal classification for certain hazardous material transportation violations, elevating the offense from a misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and will not retroactively affect previously committed offenses. This legislation aims to enhance safety and accountability in the transportation of potentially dangerous materials by imposing stricter legal consequences for weight-related violations.

Military Affairs and Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2199