SRC-JBJ S.J.R. 3 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 3
76R7484 JD-FBy: Wentworth
Infrastructure
3/29/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Article III, Section 52-b, Texas Constitution, provides that the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) may not expend money for the
construction, operation, and maintenance of turnpikes, toll roads, and toll
bridges without repaying the expenses to the state highway fund.  The Texas
Turnpike Authority Division of TxDOT (TTA) has authority to development
turnpike projects and toll roads.  However, because TTA operates as a
division of TxDOT, the constitutional provision may preclude TxDOT from
advancing funds for turnpike project development without an obligation for
repayment.  The requirement has significantly constrained the provision of
funds necessary to begin a study and design of turnpike projects through
TTA.  A repeal of the constitutional requirement would allow TxDOT to
better utilize TTA to pursue turnpike development projects. S.J.R. 3 would
repeal the requirement for repayment of funds which are expended for
turnpikes, toll roads, and toll bridges.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.J.R. 3 requires the submission to the voters of a
constitutional amendment to permit the Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) to expend money for the construction, maintenance, and operation of
roads and bridges. 

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 52-b, Article III, Texas Constitution, to
authorize the legislature to permit the Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) to expend money for the construction, maintenance, and operation by
TxDOT of turnpikes, toll roads, or toll bridges, rather than expend money
for the costs of the roads or bridges.  Deletes a provision relating to the
expenditure of money to the roads or bridges of the Texas Turnpike
Authority. 

SECTION 2.  Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held on November 2, 1999.  Sets forth
the required language for the ballot.