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.