Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
6 bills that modify the Transportation Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I have worked my way through to the Transportation Code. The Utilities and Water Code will follow.
Blog Summary
HB 4015
HB 4122 - motorcycles may not pass between lanes, amongst other motorcycle rules
HB 4528
HB 4797
HB 5135 - specialty license plates for K9s4KIDS
HB 5142
6 bills that modify the Transportation Code
Published: 2026-05-28
Multiple short modifications
HB 4015 - 2 pages
Designating certain fees to the state highway fund and limiting their use to rail safety program.
HB 4122 - 2 pages
Allows motorcycles to operate 2 abreast in a single lane of traffic. Ensures that motorcycles are entitled to the full use of the lane. Limits motorcycles passing in that they may not pass vehicles between lanes nor within the same lane as another vehicle.
HB 4528 - 8 pages
If an officer takes a specimen, but said analysis is not returned before the person is released from custody, then the office must serve notice of suspended license and send the department within 5 business days notice of suspension and a sworn report with information relevant to the arrest. Previously they had to take possession of a driver's license and issued a temporary driving permit.
HB 4797 - 3 pages
A toll project that treats roadways during icy or snowy weather must ensure that each employee or contractor doing so completes a training course regarding treatment. The training course must provide instruction on prioritizing treatment of elevated structures and other roadway elements; timing of treatment; and treatment of general purpose lanes adjacent to the toll project.
HB 5135 - 2 pages
Specialty license plates for K9s4KIDS are authorized. Part of the funding, beyond administrative costs, is for the purchase of police dogs by public or private primary or secondary school or institutes of higher education.
HB 5142 - 2 pages
For proof to have a specially marked driver's license and personal id for veterans, they may use their veteran identification card issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs or an id issued by the US Department of Defense to show veterans' military service and honorable discharge.
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