BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2219
87R13631 JRR-F	By: Canales (Nichols)
	Transportation
	5/12/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Concerns have been raised regarding the underfunding of transportation infrastructure in Texas relative to the size and needs of the state. A recent study showed that Texas is underinvesting in transportation by several billion dollars each year. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the Texas mobility fund, under which obligations are issued for certain state highway projects, is currently operating in a manner counter to its original intent. The bill seeks to address this issue by ensuring the Texas mobility fund operates as a revolving fund. The bill does so by repealing the prohibition to the Texas Transportation Commission from issuing Texas mobility fund obligations.

H.B. 2219 amends current law relating to the issuance of Texas Mobility Fund obligations.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 201.943(a), Transportation Code, to delete existing text including Subsection (l) in the list of certain subsections to which the Texas Transportation Commission is subject when issuing obligations in the name and on behalf of the state and the Texas Department of Transportation and when entering into credit agreements related to the obligations.

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 201.943(l) (relating to prohibiting obligations from being issued under Section 201.943 (Authority to Issue Obligations; Purposes; Limitations) or Section 49-k(j) (relating to payment of certain obligations of the Texas Mobility Fund), Article III, Texas Constitution, after January 1, 2015), Transportation Code.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.