SRC-SEW H.B. 2440 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2440
77R5957 DWS-DBy: Krusee (Barrientos)
State Affairs
4/30/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority held a referendum in
November 2000 for a light rail plan for Austin. Under current law, Capital
Metro is prohibited from holding another referendum on the plan for another
year.  H.B. 2440 provides that any subsequent referendum for a rail plan
must be held at the general election in November of an even numbered year
when voter turn out tends to be higher.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 451.071(e), Transportation Code, to require a
subsequent referendum for a rail plan under Subsection (d) to be held at
the general election in November of an even-numbered year.  Deletes text
prohibiting the referendum from being held before the first anniversary of
an election previously held under this section. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.