By: Harris of Williamson H.B. No. 3484
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to weight exemptions for alternative fueled heavy weight
  vehicles on state highways.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 621.101(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended as follows:
         (b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(3), two consecutive sets
  of tandem axles may carry a gross load of not more than 34,000
  pounds each if the overall distance between the first and last axles
  of the consecutive sets is 36 feet or more.  The overall gross
  weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles may not be
  heavier than 80,000 pounds, including all enforcement tolerances,
  regardless of tire ratings, axle spacing (bridge), and number of
  axles.
         (b-1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,
  a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is powered by an engine
  fueled primarily by natural gas and hydrogen may exceed any weight
  limitation under this section by an amount that is equal to the
  difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the
  natural gas and hydrogen tank and fueling system carried by that
  vehicle and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling
  system, provided that the maximum gross weight of the vehicle or
  combination of vehicles may not exceed 82,000 pounds.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.