SRC-AXB S.B. 606 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 606
By: Ellis
Veterans Affairs
3/1/1999
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

The 75th Legislature established the Strategic Military Planning Commission
(SMPC) to develop a pro-active statewide strategy to prevent future defense
closures and realignments.  The SMPC developed a master plan as a starting
point for accomplishing these goals.  According to the master plan, Texas'
transportation infrastructure is critical to the military forces based
here.  When the forces must engage in quick deployment, poorly maintained
or inadequate roads could cause a delay resulting in a loss of lives.  S.B.
606 is a recommendation from the master plan, and would require the Texas
Department of Transportation to conduct a study of strategic deployment
routes and highways used by the military based in Texas.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 606 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to
conduct a study of strategic deployment routes and highways used by the
military, and requires the submission of a report and recommendations
resulting from this study. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  STUDY OF HIGHWAYS USED BY THE MILITARY.  Requires the Texas
Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to conduct a strategic deployment
study to determine routes critical to the mission of the military in Texas.
Sets forth requirements for the study.  Requires TXDOT to consider the
necessary costs of highway improvements.  Authorizes TXDOT to base a
portion of the study on prior studies and existing data which provide
accurate data and address an issue relevant to this Act.  Authorizes TXDOT
to enlist available university research support to reduce the cost of the
study. 

SECTION 2.  REPORT.  Requires TXDOT to submit a written report to certain
authorities, by January 31, 2000, regarding the results, including
recommendations, based on the required study. 

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Authorizes TXDOT to base a portion of a required study on existing data,
and authorizes TXDOT to enlist available university research support to
reduce the cost of the study.