HBA-MPA H.B. 2247 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2247 By: Hawley Transportation 3/15/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 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. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking authority is expressly delegated to Texas Transportation Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 201.208, 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. (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) 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. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.