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.