BILL ANALYSIS C.S.S.B. 1633 By: Truan Int'l Relations, Trade & Tech. 4-20-95 Committee Report (Substituted) 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.