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.