SRC-BWC S.B. 773 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 773
77R5471 DWS-FBy: Harris
State Affairs
3/5/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) does not have the
authority to contract with private entities to make highway improvements
such as turn lanes or exit ramps. Under current law, if a commercial
enterprise, such as a store, wants a turn lane in front of that business,
it is required to give money for the improvement to the city which in turn
contracts with TXDOT for the project.  As proposed, S.B. 773 gives TXDOT
the authority to contract with public and private entities directly to fund
road improvements.  This enables reduced time frames for contracting and
the accrued cost savings to local governments. 

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
201.209, as follows: 

Sec. 201.209.  AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT.  Authorizes the Department of
Transportation (department) to contract with any public or private entity
to carry out the department's powers, duties, and responsibilities.   

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2001.