By Coleman H.B. No. 1621
77R5263 MTB-D
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the representation of the transportation disadvantaged
1-3 in mass transportation.
1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-5 SECTION 1. Section 451.502, Transportation Code, is amended
1-6 by adding Subsection (g) to read as follows:
1-7 (g) The principal municipality shall make its appointments
1-8 to the board so that at least one of its appointees represents the
1-9 interests of the transportation disadvantaged, including the
1-10 elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals.
1-11 SECTION 2. Section 451.5021, Transportation Code, is amended
1-12 by adding Subsection (h) to read as follows:
1-13 (h) The principal municipality shall make its appointments
1-14 to the board so that at least one of its appointees represents the
1-15 interests of the transportation disadvantaged, including the
1-16 elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals.
1-17 SECTION 3. Section 452.562, Transportation Code, is amended
1-18 by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
1-19 (f) The principal municipality shall make its appointments
1-20 to the board so that at least one of its appointees represents the
1-21 interests of the transportation disadvantaged, including the
1-22 elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals.
1-23 SECTION 4. Section 452.574, Transportation Code, is amended
1-24 by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
2-1 (c) The principal municipality shall make its appointments
2-2 to the board so that at least one of its appointees represents the
2-3 interests of the transportation disadvantaged, including the
2-4 elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals.
2-5 SECTION 5. Subchapter B, Chapter 453, Transportation Code, is
2-6 amended by adding Section 453.061 to read as follows:
2-7 Sec. 453.061. TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED. The board shall
2-8 consider the interests of the transportation disadvantaged,
2-9 including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income
2-10 individuals in making decisions under this chapter.
2-11 SECTION 6. Section 457.052, Transportation Code, is amended
2-12 by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
2-13 (f) The principal municipality shall make its appointments
2-14 to the board so that at least one of its appointees represents the
2-15 interests of the transportation disadvantaged, including the
2-16 elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals.
2-17 SECTION 7. The changes in law made by this Act in the
2-18 qualifications of certain board members of metropolitan rapid
2-19 transit authorities, regional transportation authorities, and
2-20 county mass transit authorities do not affect the entitlement of a
2-21 member serving on an authority immediately before the effective
2-22 date of this Act to continue to carry out the functions of the
2-23 authority for the remainder of the member's term. The changes in
2-24 law apply only to a member appointed on or after the effective date
2-25 of this Act. This Act does not prohibit a person who is a member
2-26 of a metropolitan rapid transit authority, a regional
2-27 transportation authority, or a county mass transit authority on the
3-1 effective date of this Act from being reappointed to the authority
3-2 if the person has the qualifications required under Section
3-3 451.502, 451.5021, 452.562, 452.574, or 457.052, Transportation
3-4 Code, as amended by this act.
3-5 SECTION 8. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
3-6 a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
3-7 provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
3-8 Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
3-9 Act takes effect September 1, 2001.