SRC-ARR S.B. 193 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 193 76R3360 WP-DBy: Ogden State Affairs 5/9/1999 Committee Report (Amended) DIGEST Currently, Texas law establishes a definition of "economically disadvantaged county" to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation to adjust the minimum local matching funds requirement for those counties who qualify for the designation. In order to qualify, a county must have a below average per capita taxable property value, below average per capita income, and an above average unemployment rate. S.B. 193 would authorize a county to qualify for the designation if the county has a per capita taxable property value that is less than one-half the average per capita taxable property value of counties in the state. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 193 redefines the term "economically disadvantaged county" for purposes of financing a highway project. 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 Section 222.053(a), Transportation Code, to redefine "economically disadvantaged county" as a county that has a per capita taxable property value that is less than one-half the average per capita taxable property value of counties in the state. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Prohibits the Texas Transportation Commission from (commission) expending more funds in any fiscal year of the 2000-2001 biennium to adjust the minimum local matching funds requirement of economically disadvantaged counties than what was expended for that purpose in fiscal year 1999. SECTION 3. Provides that this Act takes effect only if a specific appropriation for the implementation of this Act is provided in H.B. 1 (General Appropriation Act), Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999. Provides that this Act has no effect, if no specific appropriation is provided in H.B.1, the General Appropriations Act. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 2. Adds a new SECTION 2 to prohibit the commission from expending more funds in any fiscal year of the 2000-2001 biennium to adjust the minimum local matching funds requirement of economically disadvantaged counties than what was expended for that purpose in fiscal year 1999. SECTION 3. Adds a new SECTION 3 to provide that this Act takes effect only if a specific appropriation for the implementation of this Act is provided in H.B. 1 (General Appropriation Act), Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999. Provides that this Act has no effect, if no specific appropriation is provided in H.B.1, the General Appropriations Act. Renumbers existing SECTIONS accordingly.