BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3843

By: Wilson

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Multiple Texas residents contend that current law is structured in such a way that transparent comparisons in the practices and operations of toll project entities have not been made easily available. H.B. 3843 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Texas Department of Transportation to conduct a study comparing the practices and operations of all toll project entities statewide.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3843 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to conduct a study comparing the practices and operations of toll project entities statewide. The study must include a comparison of toll operations, error rates, customer complaints, speed of processing, billing practices, and any other factors TxDOT deems appropriate. The bill requires TxDOT to submit  a written report of the study's findings to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the legislature not later than December 1, 2024. The bill's provisions expire May 1, 2025.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.