HB 3545

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
(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
(1)  prohibit a person from operating a vehicle for
(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
(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
(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
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.