H.B. No. 2257




AN ACT
relating to the speed limit on certain highways in rural counties. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 545.353, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (h-1) and amending Subsections (h) and (i) to read as follows: (h) Notwithstanding Section 454.352(b), the commission may establish a speed limit of 75 miles per hour in daytime on a part of the highway system if: (1) the commission determines that 75 miles per hour in daytime is a reasonable and safe speed for that part of the highway system; and (2) that part of the highway is located in a county with a population density of less than 15 [10] persons per square mile. (h-1) Notwithstanding Section 545.352(b), the commission may establish a speed limit of 80 miles per hour in daytime on a part of Interstate Highway 10 or Interstate Highway 20 in Crockett, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kerr, Kimble, Pecos, Reeves, Sutton, or Ward County if the commission determines that 80 miles per hour in daytime is a reasonable and safe speed for that part of the highway. (i) The speed limits [limit] authorized by Subsections [Subsection] (h) and (h-1) do [does] not apply to: (1) trucks, other than light trucks and light trucks pulling a trailer; and (2) truck tractors, trailers, and semitrailers. 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, 2005. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.B. No. 2257 was passed by the House on April 29, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. No. 2257 on May 27, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 139, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.B. No. 2257 was passed by the Senate, with amendments, on May 25, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________ Date __________________ Governor