H.J.R. 80 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.J.R. 80
By: Krusee
Transportation
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The creation of regional mobility authorities (RMAs) was authorized during
the 77th Legislative session. RMAs are authorized to plan, develop and
operate turnpike projects.  They are formed at the request of one or more
counties, and must receive the approval of the Texas Transportation
Commission.  Because RMAs are intended to promote regionalism in
transportation planning and project development, financing tools available
to the authorities must reflect a regional approach.  This resolution
allows for counties within an RMA to support RMA issued debt provided that
the project to which the debt relates is within the region of the RMA and
provided that the voters within a county approve of the county's action in
supporting the RMA's obligations. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

HJR 80 amends Article III of the Texas Constitution by adding Section
52-d-1 to allow a county that is part of a regional mobility authority
("RMA") to, upon approval of a majority of voters, issue bonds, notes, or
other obligations for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or
operation of a transportation project or system of the RMA.  The
transportation project or system does not have to be located within the
boundaries of the county, but must be within an RMA of which the county is
a part.  The resolution allows such a county to enter into credit
agreements in connection with such bonds, notes, or other obligations,
including other agreements.  A county may also, upon voter approval, enter
into an agreement and make payments for the same purposes.  Under such an
agreement, the county may pay the principle of and interest on bonds,
notes, or other obligations issued by the RMA, or may make payments under
a credit agreement of the RMA.  Finally, the resolution allows a county to
levy and collect ad valorem taxes to make payments under any agreement, to
pay interest as due on bonds, notes, or other obligations, and to provide
a "sinking fund" for the redemption of bonds, notes, or other obligations. 

FOR ELECTION

The proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters an
an election to be held November 4, 2003.