SRC-AXB H.B. 2247 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2247
By: Hawley (Bernsen)
Administration
5/14/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) does not have the
authority to process sales electronically. TxDOT receives a large number of
requests from the general public for goods and services on a daily basis.
These goods and services include travel promotional material, publications,
licenses, permits, and registrations. Because it cannot process these
transactions electronically, TxDOT has received an increased number of
complaints from the public about not receiving the requested goods and
services in a timely manner. H.B. 2247 allows the Texas Transportation
Commission to adopt rules permitting the use of electronic funds transfers
or credit cards for the purchase of these goods and services. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2247 allows the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt
rules permitting the use of electronic funds transfers or credit cards for
the purchase of these goods and services. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Transportation Commission in
SECTION 1 (Section 201.208(a), Transportation Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding
Section 201.208, as follows:  

Sec. 201.208. PAYMENT OF FEES FOR DEPARTMENT GOODS AND SERVICES. Authorizes
the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt rules regarding the method of
payment of a fee for any goods sold or services provided by the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT), or for the administration of any
TxDOT programs.  Provides that the goods and services provided include the
sale of travel promotional materials and TxDOT publications, and the
issuance of licenses, permits, and registrations.  Authorizes the rules to
authorize the use of electronic funds transfers or valid credit card issued
by a financial institution chartered by a state or the United States, or by
a nationally recognized credit organization approved by TxDOT, and to
require the payment of a discount or service charge for a credit card
payment in addition to the fee. Requires the revenues generated from
payments of discount or service charges under Subsection (c) to be
deposited in the state highway fund.  

SECTION 2.Emergency clause. 
  Effective date: upon passage.