BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 1633
By: Truan (Berlanga)
05-02-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, a public or private entity seeking to construct an
international border crossing  is required to apply for a
presidential permit.  No state process determining the viability of
proposed international border crossings exists in Texas.

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1633 creates a procedure for the permission
and construction of international bridges between Texas and the
United Mexican States.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is granted
to the Texas Transportation Commission in SECTION 1 (Articles
6674v-8(d) and (e), V.T.C.S.) of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 1, Title 116, V.T.C.S., by adding Article
6674v-8, as follows:

     Art. 6674v-8.  APPROVAL BY COMMISSION OF BRIDGE OVER RIO
     GRANDE.  (a)  Requires a political subdivision or private
     entity authorized by law to construct or to finance the
     construction of a bridge over the part of the Rio Grande to
     obtain approval from the Texas Transportation Commission
     (commission) for the construction of the bridge before
     requesting approval from the federal government under Chapter
     11IV, 33 U.S.C.
     
     (b)  Requires the commission to consider certain factors in
       determining whether to approve the construction of a bridge
       described by Subsection (a) of this article.
       
       (c)  Sets forth the agencies from whom the commission must
       seek advice in making its determination.
       
       (d)  Requires a political subdivision or private entity
       seeking the approval of the commission under Subsection (a)
       of this article to submit to the commission a report
       detailing the feasibility, location, economic effects,
       environmental impact, and any other information the
       commission may, by rule, require to make its determination.
       
       (e)  Authorizes the commission to adopt rules as necessary
       to administer this article.
       
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Pursuant to an announcement from the House floor the House
Committee on Transportation met in a formal meeting to consider
S.B. 1633 in accordance with Rule 4, Section 11 of the House Rules,
on May 2, 1995 at desk 22.  The Chair laid out S.B. 1633, which is
the companion document to H.B. 2211.  There was no testimony taken
on S.B. 1633.  Representative Alexander moved that the Committee
report S.B. 1633, without amendments, to the full House with the
recommendation that it do pass.  The motion prevailed by the
following vote: Ayes (7), Nayes (0), Absent (2), Present not voting
(0).