By Keel                                                H.B. No. 748
         77R2534 DWS-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to use of funds of a metropolitan transit authority to
 1-3     inform the public in connection with an election measure.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 451, Transportation Code,
 1-6     is amended by adding Section 451.072 to read as follows:
 1-7           Sec. 451.072.  PUBLIC INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH ELECTION
 1-8     MEASURE.  (a)  An authority may not use funds of the authority to
 1-9     present information to the public on an issue that is to be the
1-10     subject of an election measure involving the authority unless the
1-11     authority includes in each presentation information representing
1-12     the views of the proponents and the opponents of the measure.
1-13           (b)  The board after public hearing shall by resolution adopt
1-14     policies and procedures to carry out Subsection (a).  The policies
1-15     and procedures must be designed to provide for a balanced
1-16     representation of all points of view on the issue.
1-17           (c)  This section applies to presentation of information
1-18     using any medium, including printed material, broadcasts,
1-19     electronic information, bus placards, or outdoor advertising.
1-20           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
1-21     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
1-22     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
1-23     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
1-24     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.