SRC-MAX H.B. 2353 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2353 By: Finnell (Luna) State Affairs 5-15-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, rural rail transportation districts (district), like most rural governmental entities, usually have a small group of people who will agree to serve on administrative boards. There are concerns that the members of these boards are unaware of the information and services that are available to them through the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). This bill amends the eligibility qualifications for an elected officer of the state or a political subdivision who wishes to serve on the board of directors of a railroad district and sets forth provisions regarding the use of TTI in these districts. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2353 sets forth provisions regarding rural rail transportation districts. 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 4, Article 6550c, V.T.C.S., by adding Subsection (g), as follows: (g) Provides that an elected officer of the state or a political subdivision of the state who is not prohibited by the Texas Constitution from serving on the board is eligible to serve on the board of directors of a rural railroad district (board). SECTION 2. Amends Section 3, Article 6550c, V.T.C.S., by adding Subsection (f), to require the board of directors to provide notice to the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) of the creation of a rural rail transportation district (district). Requires TTI to make available to the board a guide to the services and information that TTI provides. Requires TTI to provide the board of each existing district a guide to the services and information that TTI provides. SECTION 3. Requires the Railroad Commission of Texas to inform the commissioners court of each county of the county's ability to create a district under Article 6550c, V.T.C.S., by a certain date. Requires TTI to provide the board of each existing district a guide to the services and information that TTI provides by a certain date. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.