HBA-TBM C.S.S.B. 224 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 224 By: Shapleigh Transportation 4/25/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With the advent of NAFTA and the opening of Texas' southern border to increased truck traffic, it is important that strong international relations be forged at the state level. Senate Bill 224 requires the Texas Transportation Commission to initiate efforts to meet at least semiannually with the commission's counterparts in those states of the United Mexican States that border this state to discuss transportation and infrastructure issues. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS Senate Bill 224 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) to initiate efforts to meet at least semiannually with the commission's counterparts in those states of the United Mexican States that border this state to discuss transportation and infrastructure issues. The bill requires the commission, to the extent practicable, to meet at least semiannually with its counterparts in those bordering states to discuss transportation and infrastructure issues. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.