By: Fraser	S.B. No. 1742
	(In the Senate - Filed March 11, 2011; March 23, 2011, read
	first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and Homeland
	Security; April 28, 2011, reported adversely, with favorable
	Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 7, Nays 0,
	1 present not voting; April 28, 2011, sent to printer.)
	COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1742	By:  Watson

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the operation of plug-in electric motor vehicles.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Section 224.153, Transportation Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
	(e)  A motor vehicle displaying the "plug-in electric
	vehicle" insignia authorized by Section 502.186 in an easily
	readable location on the back of the vehicle may use a high
	occupancy vehicle lane regardless of the number of occupants in the
	vehicle unless the use would impair the receipt of federal funds.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter D, Chapter 502, Transportation Code,
	is amended by adding Section 502.186 to read as follows:
	Sec. 502.186.  "PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE" INSIGNIA FOR
	CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES.  (a)  At the time of registration or
	reregistration of a motor vehicle, the department shall issue a
	specially designed "plug-in electric vehicle" insignia for a motor
	vehicle that:
	(1)  is made by a manufacturer primarily for use on
	public highways;
	(2)  has not been modified from original manufacturer
	specifications;
	(3)  is rated at not more than 8,500 pounds unloaded
	gross vehicle weight;
	(4)  is acquired for use or lease by a consumer and not
	for resale;
	(5)  has a speed capability of at least 65 miles per
	hour;
	(6)  is propelled to a significant extent by an
	electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that:
	(A)  has a capacity of not less than four kilowatt
	hours; and
	(B)  is capable of being recharged from an
	external source of electricity; and
	(7)  is not a recreational vehicle, as defined by
	Section 522.004(b), that draws power from a battery or a hybrid
	engine solely for purposes other than propulsion.
	(b)  The department shall issue a "plug-in electric vehicle"
	insignia under this section to a person who:
	(1)  applies to the department on a form provided by the
	department; and
	(2)  submits proof that the motor vehicle being
	registered is a vehicle described by Subsection (a).
	(c)  The department may charge a fee for the issuance of a
	"plug-in electric vehicle" insignia under this section.  The fee
	may not exceed $20 per motor vehicle.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
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