The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes amendments to Chapter 4, Subchapter B, §4.11 and §4.13 concerning Regulations Governing Transportation Safety.

The amendment proposed for §4.11 updates the rule so that it reflects October 1, 2007 in subsection (a). The amendment is necessary 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. An additional amendment proposed for §4.11 provides a definition for the term "off-road motorized construction equipment".

Amendments to §4.13 are necessary in order to implement the changes in municipality population thresholds that determine eligibility for certification to conduct commercial vehicle inspections that are contained in House Bills 1638 and 2077 and Senate Bill 545, as passed by the 80th Texas Legislature (2007). An additional amendment to §4.13 is necessary in order to clarify the requirements for obtaining and maintaining certification to perform inspections on vehicles transporting hazardous materials in other bulk packaging.

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 has also determined that there will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses required to comply with the section as proposed. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. There is no anticipated negative impact on local employment.

In addition, Mr. Ybarra has also determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule 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.

The department has determined that this proposal is not a "major environmental rule" as defined by Government Code, §2001.0225. "Major environmental rule" is defined to mean a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risk to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment or the public health and safety of a state or a sector of the state. This proposal is not specifically intended to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure.

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

The Texas Department of Public Safety, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act, Texas Government Code, §2001, et seq., and Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 644, will hold a public hearing on November 16, 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 and §4.13 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 Highway Patrol Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, 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) 424-7509 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 Major Mark Rogers, Texas Highway Patrol Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0500, (512) 424-7509.

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.