Transportation (Vehicle Registration)

SB 2823 limits liability for contractors who design, build, or maintain highways, roads, or traffic safety systems for Texas government entities (like the Texas Department of Transportation or local municipalities). It states these contractors cannot be held liable for injuries or property damage if they were in "material compliance" with contract documents related to the defect causing the harm. The bill does not change liability rules for drivers or introduce new presumptions about impaired driving, as suggested in the title. It would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed. This directly affects government contractors working on public infrastructure projects.

HB 1074 prohibits registering specific vehicles - including power sweepers, motorized mobility devices, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and electric bicycles (as defined in Transportation Code §664.001) - for operation on public highways. It also adds a new provision protecting the right to own and operate combustion engine vehicles using human decision-making, regardless of laws requiring automated driving systems. The bill directly affects owners of these vehicle types and individuals who prefer non-automated driving options. It takes effect September 1, 2025.