SRC-HRD S.B. 566 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 566 By: Truan International Relations, Trade & Technology 2-27-97 As Filed DIGEST In the last 10 years, overland traffic in Texas has increased 190 percent. Much of this growth is due to the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In addition to increased traffic, there are concerns about the entry into Texas of large numbers of Mexican trucks, many of which do not adhere to U.S. trucking regulations, and their impact on safety and road quality. This bill would require the Department of Transportation (department) to study the origin and destination of goods transported over highways in this state, paying particular attention to the increase in commercial traffic because of NAFTA. In addition, S.B. 566 would require the department to identify highways that need to be designated for construction, expansion, and maintenance because of the increase in international trade. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 566 requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on the origin and destination of goods transported over highways in this state, paying particular attention to the increase in commercial traffic because of the North American Free Trade Agreement. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to conduct a study on the origin and destination of goods transported over highways in this state. Requires the department to specifically study the increase in commercial traffic because of the North American Free Trade Agreement and identify the highways that need to be designated for construction, expansion, and maintenance because of the increase in international trade. Requires the department to consider the costs necessary to accomplish the highway improvements. Requires the department, not later than December 15, 1998, to file a report with the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives detailing the results of the study. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.