SRC-TNM S.B. 1790 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1790 By: Wentworth Intergovernmental Relations 4-6-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, a metropolitan transit authority created by a municipality that has a population of more than 60,000 in a metropolitan area of more than 1.2 million has a board consisting of five members. Up to six additional members are permitted depending upon population distributions throughout the authority. If less than 50 percent of the population of the principal county, excluding the principal municipality, reside in the authority, the board has two additional members, for a total of seven. Five of the members are appointed by the principal municipality, one is appointed by a panel of the other cities in the authority and the county judges of the counties having unincorporated area in the authority, and one by the commissioners court of the principal county. The board composition could result in cities in a non-principal county of the authority having no representation on the board. S.B. 1790 outlines provisions regarding the composition of the board of directors of certain metropolitan transit authorities. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1790 outlines provisions regarding the composition of the board of directors of certain metropolitan transit authorities. 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 451.501, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g), to provide that this section does not apply to the board of a metropolitan transit authority (authority) described by Section 451.5021(a). SECTION 2. Amends Section 451.502, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (f), to make a conforming change. SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 451K, Transportation Code, by adding Section 451.5021, as follows: Sec. 451.5021. BOARD COMPOSITION; CERTAIN AUTHORITIES. Provides that this section applies only to the board of an authority (board) confirmed before July 1, 1985, in which the principal municipality has a population of less than 750,000. Sets forth the composition of the board. Provides that a panel appointing a member under this section operates in the manner prescribed by Section 451.503. Provides that a member appointed under Subsection (b)(5) is nominated by the presiding officer and confirmed by the governing body of the organization. Defines "principal county." SECTION 4. (a) Provides that this section applies only to the board of directors of a metropolitan transit authority created before July 1, 1985, by a municipality with a population of less than 750,000. (b) Requires the governmental entities entitled to make additional appointments under Section 451.5021, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, to make the initial appointments as soon as practical after the effective date of this Act. (c) Authorizes the board to reduce the length of the term of a person initially appointed under Subsection (b) of this section to allow for staggered terms. SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 6. Emergency clause.