C.S.H.B. 157 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 157
By: Krusee
Transportation
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

HB 157 78(R)    Regional mobility authorities (RMAs) were established
during the 77th session through the passage of SB 342.  This provision
allowed the Texas Transportation Commission, by order, to authorize the
creation of an RMA for the purposes of constructing, maintaining, and
operating a turnpike project in a region of this state.  Counties, acting
alone or in conjunction with other counties, may create an RMA in order to
construct and operate turnpike projects.  RMAs are designed to provide an
alternative way to address transportation needs in circumstances where
traditional sources of funding are not available. 

CSHB 157 would give an RMA the same bonding authority as the Texas
Transportation Commission in order to finance transportation projects,
including the authority to issue debt.  An RMA would have difficulty
paying for transportation projects without that authority.  Authorizing
RMAs to issue bonds will enable them to build roads more quickly, and will
provide more accountability to the local taxpayers. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

CSHB 157 amends Section 361.003 of the Transportation Code by adding
Subsection (m) to allow a regional mobility authority the same powers and
duties that the Texas Transportation Commission  has under Subchapter E
relating to the financing of turnpike projects. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003. 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The substitute differs from the original in that the substitute refers to
both the Texas Transportation Commission and the Texas Department of
Transportation since the referenced law does. 

The substitute additionally differs from the original in that the
substitute grants explicit authority to impose a toll and obtain other
revenue necessary to repay revenue bonds.