SRC-EPT, TBR S.B. 224 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 224 By: Shapleigh Business & Commerce 6/12/2001 Enrolled DIGEST AND PURPOSE With the advent of NAFTA and the opening of Texas' southern border to increased truck traffic, it is reasonably important that strong international relations be forged at the state level. S.B. 224 amends the Transportation Code to direct the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to initiate efforts to meet at least semiannually with the department's counterparts in the four Mexican states adjacent to Texas. 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 Chapter 201D, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.207, as follows: Sec. 201.207. CROSS-BORDER TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE MEETINGS. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to initiate efforts to meet at least semiannually with the departments's counterparts in those states of the United Mexican States that border this state to discuss transportation and infrastructure issues. Requires the department, to the extent practicable, to meet at least semiannually with its counterparts in those bordering states to discuss transportation and infrastructure issues. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.