SRC-JRN C.S.S.B. 342 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 342
By: Gallegos
Intergovernmental Relations
2-13-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, a commissioners court is not required to allocate funds
generated by county vehicle registration fees for road projects
proportionately in counties with 2.8 million persons or more.  A concern
exists that funds raised under the County Road and Bridge Act have been
spent disproportionately, as in the case of unincorporated areas of Harris
County.  This bill requires funds to be allocated proportionately for road
projects in counties that have 2.8 million persons or more. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 342 requires funds collected by the county
assessor-collector to be allocated proportionately for road projects in
counties that have 2.8 million persons or more. 

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 502.103, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 502.103. DISPOSITION OF OPTIONAL COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE FEE.
Requires the commissioners court with a population of more than 2.8
million to allocate funds credited under Subsection (a)(1) for road
projects in municipalities and unincorporated areas of the county.
Requires the allocation to be proportionate to the population to which it
is made.  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause. 

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends SECTION 1, Sec. 502.108, Transportation Code, to delete proposed
changes to Sec. 502.108. 

Amends SECTION 1, Sec. 502.103, Transportation Code, to set forth
requirements for a commissioners court to allocate funds for road projects
in the county proportionately by population.