SRC-DPW H.B. 1681 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1681 76R9750 JD-DBy: Uher (Duncan) State Affairs 5/4/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is required by federal regulation to inventory, inspect, and appraise all bridge structures on public roads in Texas. As part of the inspection and appraisal process, TxDOT performs an engineering analysis to determine the weight load capacity of the structure. A thorough and accurate analysis requires the bridge's structural plans. Failure to comply with the federal regulations can result in the loss of federal highway funds. This bill would require governmental entities to submit to TxDOT structural design plans for bridges newly constructed or rehabilitated. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1681 establishes required procedures for the construction and rehabilitation of bridges. 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 Chapter 201J, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.804, as follows: Sec. 201.804. SUBMISSION OF BRIDGE DESIGN PLANS TO DEPARTMENT. Provides that this section applies to any governmental entity of this state that is authorized to construct or maintain a public road and that constructs or rehabilitates a bridge, proposes to assume responsibility for a bridge constructed or rehabilitated by another person, or issues a permit for the construction or rehabilitation of a bridge by another person. Requires a governmental entity to submit a copy of the final structural design plan for a bridge to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) 31 days before the completion of the project. Requires TxDOT to use information submitted under Subsection (b) as necessary in seeking to comply with 23 C.F.R. Part 650, Subpart C. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.