SRC-AXB S.B. 1677 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 1677 By: Bernsen State Affairs 6/29/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) authority to accept credit card payments for services is limited. Texans routinely use credit cards for common purchases and expect to be able to use this form of payment for all goods and services they need to purchase from TxDOT. S.B. 1677 sets forth provisions allowing blanket authority to accept payments electronically, as needed. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 1677 authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt rules regarding the method of fee payment for Texas Department of Transportation provided goods, services, and programs. 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 Chapter 201D, 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 (TTC) to adopt rules regarding the method of payment for certain goods and services. Includes travel promotional materials, Texas Department of Transportation publications, licenses, permits, and registrations with the services, which are regulated by TTC. Sets forth authorizations and requirements for the rules. Requires revenue generated from payments of discount or service charges to be deposited in the state highway fund. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.