SRC-SEW H.B. 2616 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2616 77R2947 JAT-DBy: Solis, Jim (Lucio) State Affairs 5/9/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Queen Isabella Causeway is the only route from mainland Texas to South Padre Island. A second causeway has been proposed and funding proposals were made which call for each causeway to include a toll facility. Tolling both causeways would primarily impact those who commute to work to either South Padre Island or from the island to the surrounding area of mainland Texas. H.B. 2616 prohibits the Texas Transportation Commission from converting to a turnpike project the Queen Isabella Causeway in Cameron County. 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 362.0041, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d), as follows: (a) Provides that, except as provided in Subsection (d), if the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) finds that the conversion of a segment of the free state highway system to a toll facility is the most feasible and economic means to accomplish necessary expansion improvements, or extensions to the state highway system, that segment is authorized to be converted by order of the commission to a turnpike project under Chapter 361. (d) Prohibits the commission from converting the Queen Isabella Causeway in Cameron County to a turnpike project. SECTION 2. Amends Section 366.035, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (g), to make conforming changes. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.