BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1308
	By: Blanco
	Transportation
	6/1/2021
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Trade with Mexico is a growing component of the Texas economy. According to the United States Department of Commerce, trade between Mexico and Texas totaled to $441.9 billion in 2019. This trade supports about 387,000 jobs and thousands of small businesses and manufacturers. The ports of entry between Texas and Mexico are crucial to this state's economy.

Increased traffic and multiple inspection points contribute to significant delays at the border. These delays in border crossing times affect the United States and the Texas economy as the cost of transportation and trade increase, industry competitiveness and economic development decrease, and local communities are affected. According to a 2019 study from the Waco-based Perryman Group, wait times at Texas's ports of entry cost the state more than $32 billion in just over three years.

S.B. 1308 requires the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas and the Texas Department of Transportation to conduct a study on the benefits of using certain motor vehicle technologies to alleviate traffic congestion at certain ports of entry in this state. This act will (1) evaluate the potential benefits of using automated driving systems and connected driving systems in alleviating traffic congestion at international ports of entry and (2) provide a report for future legislation regarding technological improvements.

(Original Author's / Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

S.B. 1308 amends current law relating to a study on the impacts of using certain motor vehicle technologies.

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. STUDY. (a) Defines "automated driving system" and "connected driving system."�

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS), in consultation with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and the appropriate federal agencies, to jointly conduct a study on:

(1) the potential benefits of using automated driving systems, connected driving systems, and other emerging technologies to alleviate motor vehicle traffic congestion at ports of entry between this state and the United Mexican States; and

(2) the overall impact of using automated driving systems, connected driving systems, and other emerging technologies on the transportation industry workforce and the broader Texas economy, including the effects on driver and public safety.

(c) Requires TxDOT and DPS, not later than January 1, 2023, to jointly submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the legislature a report on the results of the study conducted under this section.

SECTION 2. EXPIRATION DATE. Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2023.

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