SRC-HRD S.B. 567 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 567
By: Truan
International Relations, Trade & Technology
2-17-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads are not
merged.  This bill requires the comptroller to study the economic effects
in Texas of a merger between the two railroads.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 567 requires the comptroller, in conjunction with the
Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, to conduct a study
of the economic effects in Texas of the merger of the Union Pacific and
Southern Pacific railroads. 

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 comptroller, in conjunction with the Texas
Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, to conduct a study of
the economic effects in Texas of the merger of the Union Pacific and
Southern Pacific railroads.  Requires the study to specifically include
the merger's effect on the cost and availability of rail transportation
between Texas and Mexico and the impact of the merger on trade with
Mexico.  Requires the comptroller to, not later than December 15, 1998,
file a written 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.