SRC-TNM H.B. 883 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 883 By: Krusee (Barrientos) Intergovernmental Relations 5-7-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Chapter 451, Transportation Code, is entitled Metropolitan Transit Authorities and contains provisions regarding the creation of transit authorities. Subchapter K is entitled Boards and contains provisions regarding the appointment of members, the filing of vacancies, and the terms of office. A board consists of five members, plus additional members depending upon the distribution of the population. H.B. 883 would establish a nine-member board with one member appointed by a panel consisting of the mayor of cities and county judges outside the principal county. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 883 outlines provisions regarding the composition of the board of directors of certain metropolitan transit authorities. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 451.501, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g), to provide that this section does not apply to the board of a metropolitan transit authority (authority) described by Section 451.5021(a). SECTION 2. Amends Section 451.502, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (f), to make a conforming change. SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 451K, Transportation Code, by adding Section 451.5021, as follows: Sec. 451.5021. BOARD COMPOSITION; CERTAIN AUTHORITIES. Provides that this section applies only to the board of an authority confirmed before July 1, 1985, in which the principal municipality has a population of less than 750,000. Sets forth the composition of the governing body of an authority (board). Provides that a panel appointing a member under this section operates in the manner prescribed by Section 451.503. Provides that a member appointed under Subsection (b)(5) is nominated by the presiding officer of the organization and confirmed by the governing body of the organization. Defines "principal county." SECTION 4. (a) Provides that this section applies only to the board of directors of a metropolitan transit authority created before July 1, 1985, by a municipality with a population of less than 750,000. (b) Requires the governmental entities entitled to make additional appointments under Section 451.5021, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, to make the initial appointments as soon as practical after the effective date of this Act. (c) Authorizes the board to reduce the length of the term of a person initially appointed under Subsection (b) of this section to allow for staggered terms. SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 6. Emergency clause.