SRC-JBJ S.B. 1109 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1109 77R9008 JAT-FBy: Bernsen State Affairs 4/5/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, some motorists experience delays due to congestion on the ferry service to the Bolivar Peninsula. As proposed, S.B. 1109 allows Bolivar residents priority boarding on the ferry service to and from the Bolivar Peninsula. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Transportation in SECTION 1 (Section 342.503, Transportation Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 342, Transportation Code, by adding Subchapter G, as follows: SUBCHAPTER G. GALVESTON-PORT BOLIVAR FERRY Sec. 342.501. FERRY VEHICLE STICKER. (a) Authorizes a resident or homeowner of the Bolivar Peninsula to apply to the Texas Department of Transportation (department) for a sticker for a motor vehicle owned by the applicant that entitles the vehicle to have priority in boarding the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry operated by the department. (b) Requires the department to design the sticker and designate the place where a sticker must be affixed to the windshield of the motor vehicle for which it is issued. (c) Requires an applicant to provide sufficient proof, as determined by the department, that the applicant meets certain specific criteria. Sec. 342.502. FEE. (a) Provides that the annual fee for a ferry vehicle sticker under this subchapter is $30. (b) Sets forth requirements for the department regarding the handling of each fee collected under this section. Sec. 342.503. RULES AND FORMS. (a) Authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer this subchapter. (b) Requires the department to prescribe forms necessary for the administration of this subchapter. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.