Sec. 1003.007. PILOT PROGRAM FOR REGISTRATION OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES. (a) The department, in consultation with a state agency or research division of an institution of higher education in this state, may establish a limited pilot program that identifies, implements, and assesses alternative technologies for registering commercial motor vehicles to replace license plates, permits, and other existing documentation and registration methods currently in use in this state if the department determines that the program can be implemented at no cost to the state and that the results of the study conducted under Section 1003.006 indicate that the program is feasible.

(b) The program must:

(1) evaluate the safety and suitability for use on roadways of the alternative technologies identified under Subsection (a); and

(2) be funded through contributions by participants who voluntarily opt into the program.

(c) Not later than December 1, 2022, the department shall submit a report on the results of the program to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and presiding officer of each legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction over transportation issues.

(d) This section expires January 1, 2023.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 833 (H.B. 1959), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.