SRC-SEW S.J.R. 12 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 12
77R3898 JD-DBy: Shapiro
State Affairs
2/15/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the state constitution prevents the state from contributing a
portion of the cost of a toll project without repayment.  Many toll
projects are not built because they fail to generate enough revenue to pay
for themselves.  The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), acting on
behalf of the state, cannot fund these much needed projects in a timely a
manner because necessary funding is not available.  As proposed, S.J.R. 12
allows the state, through TxDOT, to contribute a portion of the cost of a
toll project without a requirement for repayment. 


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 Section 52-b, Article III, Texas Constitution, to
authorize the legislature to authorize the Texas Department of
Transportation to grant or loan money for the acquisition, construction,
maintenance, and operation, rather than simply the costs of turnpikes,
roads, and toll bridges.  Deletes language the regarding the Texas Turnpike
Authority or any successor agency. Deletes language requiring any monies
expended out of the state highway fund to be repaid to the fund from tolls
or other turnpike revenue. 

SECTION 2.  Requires that this constitutional amendment be put before the
voters in an election on November 6, 2001.  Requires that the ballot be
printed to permit a person to vote for or against the proposition and sets
forth specific wording to be contained on the ballot.