TITLE: Relating to the regulation of certain contract carriers and subcontractors of contract carriers.

SUMMARY: Relating to the regulation of certain contract carriers and subcontractors of contract carriers.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the regulation of certain contract carriers and subcontractors of contract carriers. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 644.054, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: (a) In this section, "contract carrier" includes a subcontractor of a contract carrier. (a-1) This section applies only to a contract carrier that transports an operating employee of a railroad on a road or highway of this state in a vehicle designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers. (b) The department shall adopt rules regulating the operation of a contract carrier to which this section applies. The rules must: (1) prohibit a person from operating a vehicle for more than 12 hours in a day; (2) require a person who operates a vehicle for the number of consecutive hours or days the department determines is excessive to rest for a period determined by the department; (3) require a contract carrier to keep a record of all hours a vehicle subject to regulation under this section is operated; (4) require a contract carrier to perform alcohol and drug testing of vehicle operators on employment, on suspicion of alcohol or drug abuse, and periodically as determined by the department; (5) require a contract carrier, at a minimum, to maintain commercial automobile liability insurance in the amount of $1.5 million for each vehicle; and (6) be determined by the department to be necessary to protect the safety of a passenger being transported or the general public. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.