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.