BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2390
By: Black
04-12-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

In 1989 the Texas Legislature created the High Speed-Rail Authority
that included provisions for no state funds.  After extensive
study, the feasible project proved to be controversial with the
eminent domain authority delegated.

PURPOSE

To abolish the Texas High-Speed Rail Authority.

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.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1  a)  Repeals the Texas High-Speed Rail Act.

           b)  The transfer of powers and duties of the Texas High-Speed Rail Authority             as provided by Article 4,
Chapter 7, Acts of the 72nd Legislature, 1st                Called
Session, 1991, does not take effect

SECTION 2  On the effective date of this Act the following applies:

           1)  Abolishes the High Speed-Rail Authority and the
membership of the board            of the Texas High-Speed Rail
Authority expire;

           2)  Transfers all unobligated funds of the Texas High-Speed Rail Authority to            the General Revenue Fund; and

           3)  Transfers all property and records of the Texas
High-Speed Rail Authority               to General Services
Commission.

SECTION 3  Effective date is September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4  Emergency Clause.     

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Pursuant to a public notice posted on March 30, 1995 at 6:02 p.m.,
the House Committee on Transportation met in a public hearing on
Wednesday, April 5, 1995 at 2:00 p.m. or upon adjournment, in room
E1.014 of the Capitol Extension and was called to order at 6:30
p.m. by the Chair, Representative Clyde Alexander after the House
recessed.  The Chair laid out H.B. 2390 and recognized
Representative Black to explain H.B. 2390.  The Chair recognized
the following persons who testified in support of H.B. 2390.  D.M.
"Mack" Malmsten, DERAIL.  Kathryn Keller, Texas Farm Bureau.  There
were no witnesses testifying in opposition to H.B. 2390.  The Chair
left H.B. 2390 pending before the Committee.  Pursuant to a public 
notice posted on April 7, 1995 at 5:04 p.m., the House Committee on
Transportation met in a public hearing on Wednesday, April 12,
1995, at 2:00 p.m., or upon adjournment, in Room E1.014 of the
Capitol Extension and was called to order at 3:58 p.m. by the
Chair, Representative Clyde Alexander.  The Chair laid out H.B.
2390 by Black, which was pending before the Committee. 
Representative Siebert moved that the Committee report H.B. 2390,
without amendments, to the full House with the recommendation that
it do pass.  The motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes (5),
Nayes (0), Absent (3), Present not voting (1).