Bill Information:
HB 2684 (DeWayne Burns) Relating to the issuance of oversize or overweight permits for vehicles transporting agricultural commodities during or preceding a disaster.
Why does it matter to TBA?
While we are not aware of any specific issues beekeepers have had that would be addressed by
this bill, it is possible that there may be situations in the future when it may be beneficial to have
these proposed changes in effect. We appreciate that the author has included bees and honey
specifically in the agricultural commodities.
Bill History:
Issues brought to the House Ag Committee following winter storm Uri showed the
need for special transportation permitting under declared disasters.
The bill was introduced in the 2021 session, passed in the House, but it was late in the session and did not get a hearing in the Senate.
Bill Analysis:
This bill amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Texas Department of
Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue a special permit to an oversize or overweight vehicle or load
that can easily be dismantled or divided and will be used to deliver agricultural commodities
(including bees and honey) under a disaster declaration.
Updates:
- HB 2684 was heard in public hearing on March 22, 2023 and was voted favorably out of committee on March 27, 2023.
- Passed the House on May 8, 2023, but did not advance in the Senate.