SRC-SLL H.C.R. 79 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.C.R. 79 By: Van de Putte (Madla) Jurisprudence 5-5-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, transportation for clients of government services in Texas are provided through 43 separate programs in 19 state and federal agencies, causing significant duplication of effort as well as complicating individual access to services. Community transportation brokerages, established to administer all regional transportation services through one local broker, provide more efficient and effective service to many communities across the United States at a lower cost than traditional methods. Brokerages have the potential to meet the public transit requirements of both urban and rural populations as well as the agencies serving Texas by maximizing available resources, simplifying administration and client tracking, establishing common rate components for transit services, and assisting in targeting and addressing barriers to use by specific client groups. Several agencies are currently working on a brokerage program for Texas. This resolution will express support and encouragement to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Agency Transportation Coordinating Council in the development of the Community Transportation Coordination Pilot Programs and require a report to the 76th Legislature on those pilot programs. PURPOSE As proposed, H.C.R. 79 submits the following resolutions: To express the legislature's support of the ongoing Community Transportation Coordination Pilot Programs and encourage the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Agency Transportation Coordinating Council to further their efforts to maximize and coordinate available transportation funding and services through the existing network of general public transportation providers in the state and by developing a method for providing client transportation services in those areas of the state not currently served by public transportation. To require that the results of the pilot programs and other coordination-related activities facilitated by the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Agency Transportation Coordinating Council, and participating public transit systems be reported to the 76th Texas Legislature when it convenes in January 1999. To require the secretary of state to forward an official copy of this resolution to the commissioner of health and human services, the Texas Transportation Commission, and the members of the Agency Transportation Coordinating Council.