SRC-JRN H.B. 2462 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2462
By: Pitts (Nelson)
Intergovernmental Relations
5-15-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, in some parts of Texas, sufficient and competitive freight rail
service is not available. Two or more rural counties may not always be
able to create a rural rail transportation district, although current law
allows this practice to occur.  This bill enables an individual county to
create a rural rail transportation district to provide improvements in
rail service and service businesses in need of rail transportation. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2462 enables an individual county to create a rural rail
transportation district to provide improvements in rail service and
service businesses in need of rail transportation. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to commissioners courts of counties that
establish rural transportation districts in SECTION 1 (Sections 3A(a) and
(f), Article 6550c, V.T.C.S.) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article 6550c, V.T.C.S., by adding Section 3A, as
follows: 

Sec. 3A.  CREATION OR DISSOLUTION OF DISTRICT LOCATED WHOLLY IN ONE
COUNTY.  Authorizes the commissioners court of a county that meets the
requirements of Section 3(b) of this Act by order to create a rural rail
transportation district (district) for purposes of developing, financing,
maintaining, and operating a new rail system under this Act and for other
purposes of this Act, in addition to eligible counties.  Provides that the
boundaries of a district created under this section are the boundaries of
the county in which the district is created.  Requires the commissioners
court to designate the name of the district and to appoint at least four
residents of the county to serve as directors of the district, at the time
the district is created.  Sets forth provisions regarding terms of service
for members of the board of directors of the district.  Provides that
Section 4 of this Act applies to a board member appointed under this
section.  Authorizes the commissioners court of the county, by order, to
provide for the dissolution of the district, if certain conditions apply. 

SECTION 2. Amends the heading for Section 3, Article 6550c, V.T.C.S., as
follows: 

Sec. 3.  New heading:  CREATION, RE-CREATION, OR DISSOLUTION OF DISTRICT
LOCATED IN MORE THAN ONE COUNTY. 

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