SRC-JJJ S.B. 156 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 156
76R1493 DRH-DBy: Lindsay
Infrastructure
4/13/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, there are nine members comprising the Houston Metro Board; five
members are appointed from Houston, and four members appointed from Harris
County, leaving a  majority in favor of Houston.  The majority often makes
decisions that are at odds with the rest of the county, especially with
regard to the availability of public transportation. S.B. 156 would
establish provisions regarding the conversion to an elected board of
certain mass transit authorities. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 156 establishes provisions regarding the conversion to an
elected board of certain mass transit authorities. 

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 451K, Transportation Code, by adding Section
451.5022, as follows: 

Sec. 451.5022.  ELECTED BOARD: CERTAIN AUTHORITIES.  Provides that this
section applies only to the board of an authority in which the population
of the principal municipality is more than 1.2 million.  Requires the
authority to be divided into 11 districts to elect members to the board.
Specifies the parameters for district size and population.  Requires the
districts to be drawn by an eight-member panel composed of certain
individuals. Authorizes a member of certain governing bodies to be
appointed to the panel.  Requires the panel to redraw districts at certain
times.  Entitles each district to elect one member to the board.  Sets
forth requirements for candidates.  Establishes the election process for
becoming a member of the board.  Requires members to serve staggered
four-year terms on the board, and establishes the length of terms.  Sets
forth provisions regarding a board vacancy. Prohibits a person from serving
more than 12 years.  Specifies fees that may be paid to board members for
attending meetings.  Defines "principal county." 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this section applies only to an authority in
Section 451.5022, Transportation Code.  Requires the panel to draw the
districts no later than September 15, 1999. Requires the first election for
board members to be November 2, 1999.  Specifies that at the initial
meeting of the board lots shall be drawn to determine length of terms.
Requires six members to serve four-year terms and the remaining to serve
two-year terms.  Provides that the terms of all members serving on the
board on December 31,1999, expire on the date when the majority of the
members elected to the board have qualified to take office.  

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date: upon passage.