The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes amendments to Chapter 4, Subchapter B, §§4.11, 4.12, 4.15 and 4.21 concerning Regulations Governing Transportation Safety.

The amendment to §4.11 updates the rule so that it reflects June 1, 2007 in subsection (a). The amendment is necessary in order to ensure that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, incorporated by reference in this section, reflect all amendments and interpretations issued through that particular date for the subchapter.

Amendment to §4.12 is necessary in order to add clarification to subsection (a)(2) of when split sleeper berth time can be used by drivers operating commercial vehicles in intrastate commerce.

Amendment to §4.15 adds a new paragraph (4) to subsection (b) and is necessary in order to clarify the department's enforcement options if a motor carrier's operations pose an imminent hazard.

Amendment to §4.21 reformats the section and is necessary in order to provide that valid positive test results and releases may be made via electronic mail, when the identity of the requestor and the security of the communication have been properly verified. A second amendment to §4.21 is necessary in order to provide that requesters who obtain permission to request and receive release of valid positive test results via electronic mail under the first amendment proposed may also submit reports via electronic mail.

Oscar Ybarra, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government, or local economies.

Mr. Ybarra also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be to ensure to the public greater compliance by motor carriers with all of the statutes and regulations pertaining to the safe operation of commercial vehicles in this state. There is no adverse economic impact anticipated for individuals, small businesses, or micro-businesses.

The department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures and Texas Register Act, Texas Government Code, §2001, et seq., and Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 644, will hold a public hearing on July 10, 2007, at 9:00 a.m., at the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol Division, Building G Annex, 5805 North Lamar, Austin, Texas. The purpose of this hearing is to receive comments from all interested persons regarding adoption of the proposed amendments to Administrative Rules §§4.11, 4.12, 4.15, and 4.21 regarding Hazardous Material and Transportation Safety, proposed for adoption under the authority of Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 644, which provides that the director shall, after notice and a public hearing, adopt rules regulating the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.

Persons interested in attending this hearing are encouraged to submit advance written notice of their intent to attend the hearing and to submit a written copy of their comments. Correspondence should be addressed to Major Mark Rogers, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol Division, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0500.

Persons with special needs or disabilities who plan to attend this hearing and who may need auxiliary aids or services are requested to contact Major Rogers at (512) 424-5296 at least three working days prior to the hearing so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Other comments on this proposal may be submitted to Mark Rogers, Major, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol Division, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0500, (512) 424-5296.

The amendments are proposed pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, §644.051, which authorizes the director to adopt rules regulating the safe transportation of hazardous materials and the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles; and authorizes the director to adopt all or part of the federal safety regulations by reference.

Texas Transportation Code, §644.051 is affected by this proposal.