SRC-ARR C.S.H.B. 1918 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1918
By: Oliveira (Shapleigh)
Border Affairs - Special
5/13/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, Section 201.601, Transportation Code, calls for a statewide
transportation plan which incorporates all facets of transportation.
Bordering the Future, a report published in July 1998 by the office of the
comptroller,  recommended the creation of a State Transportation Council to
develop a plan to improve transportation facilities for the benefit of the
state's economy. H.B. 1918 sets forth requirements for the Texas Department
of Transportation planning of multimodal and intermodal transportation.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1918 sets forth requirements for the Texas Department of
Transportation planning of multimodal and intermodal transportation.  

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 201D, Transportation Code, by adding Section
201.208, as follows: 

Sec. 201.208. INTERMODAL PLANNING FUNCTION.  Designates  the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as the state's planning agency for
intermodal transportation, including highways, airports, railroads, and
seaports for purposes of federal law.  

SECTION 2. Amends Section 201.601, Transportation Code, to require TxDOT to
develop a statewide transportation plan that meets the requirements of 23
U.S.C. Section 135, as amended, and contains all modes of transportation,
including farm-to-market roads. Requires TxDOT, in developing the plan to
take certain actions. Deletes text requiring the TXDOT to seek opinions and
assistance.  

SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 201H, Transportation Code, by adding Section
201.613, as follows: 

Sec. 201.613. TRANSPORTATION PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Defines "border
region." Sets forth the composition, requirements, and duties of the
transportation plan advisory committee.  

SECTION 4. Requires TxDOT to complete the plan required by Section 201.601,
Transportation Code, not later than January 1, 2001, and submit the plan to
the governor and legislature.  

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.