By Bosse                                              H.B. No. 2161
         77R8227 T                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to local revenue sources for transportation projects.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1. (a)  The legislature finds that:
 1-5                 (1)  the ability of local governments of this state to
 1-6     construct, repair, and maintain adequate streets, roads, bridges,
 1-7     and other transportation infrastructure and to undertake new
 1-8     projects necessary to support the growth in population and use of
 1-9     local transportation facilities is vital to the continued economic
1-10     vitality of this state; and
1-11                 (2)  it is in the interest of all citizens of this
1-12     state that adequate, equitably distributed sources of revenue be
1-13     available to cities, counties, and other local governments that are
1-14     responsible for such transportation facilities.
1-15           (b)  In order to effectuate the policies described in this
1-16     section, a joint interim committee shall be appointed to
1-17     investigate, report, and make legislative recommendations regarding
1-18     the adequacy, availability, and equitable distribution of revenue
1-19     sources necessary for the  construction, repair, and maintenance of
1-20     streets, roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure
1-21     facilities by cities, counties, and other local governments.  In
1-22     addition the committee shall also investigate alternative
1-23     transportation methods, including but not limited to, hike and bike
1-24     trails, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways.
 2-1           (c)  The joint committee shall be made up of three members of
 2-2     the senate appointed by the president of the senate, and three
 2-3     members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of
 2-4     the house of representatives.
 2-5           (d)  The joint committee shall develop a report that analyzes
 2-6     the issues described in subsection (b) of this section and that
 2-7     includes recommended statutory changes to implement policy options.
 2-8     The joint committee may make preliminary reports but shall make a
 2-9     final report not later than November 1, 2002, which final report
2-10     shall be filed with the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker
2-11     of the house of representatives.
2-12           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect on September 1, 2001.