SRC-MWN S.B. 465 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research CenterS.B. 465
By: Shapleigh
(Business & Commerce)
Enrolled
6/19/2001


DIGEST AND PURPOSE

Texas lacks a port authority to build and operate infrastructure and to
expedite commerce within the nineteen counties adjacent with the
Texas-Mexico border. S.B. 465 establishes a task force to study the
viability of creating border port of entry authorities. 

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. DEFINITIONS. Defines "authority," "department," and "task force."

SECTION 2. BORDER PORT OF ENTRY AUTHORITY TASK FORCE. Requires the Texas
Department of Transportation (department) to establish a Border Port of
Entry Authority Task Force to study transportation and the movement of
goods through the border region. 

SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP. (a) Provides that the task force is composed of
certain members. 

(b) Requires the member representing the department to serve as the
presiding officer of the task force. 

SECTION 4. ASSISTANCE; EXPENSES. (a) Requires the department to provide
staff necessary to assist the task force in performing its duties. 

(b) Provides that a task force member is not entitled to compensation.
Provides that each entity with a member on the task force is responsible
for that member's expenses. 

SECTION 5. TASK FORCE DUTIES. Requires the task force to study and consider
certain matters. 

SECTION 6. CONSULTATION. Requires the task force to consult with the
department and each metropolitan planning organization whose planning area
includes a portion of El Paso County. 

SECTION 7. REPORT. (a) Requires the department to prepare a report of the
findings and recommendations of the task force. Authorizes the department
to include its own recommendations in the report. 

(b) Authorizes the department to contract with a private entity or a
university to prepare the report. 

(c) Requires the department, not later than January 15, 2003, to submit the
report to certain state officials. 

SECTION 8. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW. Provides that Chapter 2110 (State
Agency  Advisory Committees), Government Code, does not apply to the task
force. 

SECTION 9. EXPIRATION. Provides that the task force is abolished and this
Act expires January 15, 2003. 

SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE: upon passage or September 1, 2001.