SRC-MLC S.B. 119 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 119
78R1036 JTS-DBy: Lindsay
Intergovernmental Relations
3/5/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law provides the composition of the board of directors of the
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) of Harris County, to which five
members are appointed by the mayor of Houston, two members are appointed
by the Harris County Commissioners Court, and two members are appointed by
the mayors of cities in MTA's service area, surrounding Houston.  As
proposed, S.B. 119 changes the composition of the board of the
Metropolitan Transit Authority by redistributing board members, so that
four members are appointed by the mayor of Houston; three members are
appointed by the commissioners court, and two members are appointed by a
panel composed of certain local elected officials.  This bill provides a
more equal representation for the residents of the  Metropolitan Transit
Authority service area, by redistributing  the board members so that a
sole political entity is not able to control the board.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 
  
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
 
SECTION 1.  Amends Section 451.501 (g), Transportation Code, to provide
that this section does not apply to the governing board of a rapid transit
authority (board of an authority) described by Section 451.5021 (a) or
451.5022 (a).   

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 451.502 (a) and (f), Transportation Code, as
follows: 

(a)  Delete existing text that provides an exception to an authority  that
has a principal municipality with a population of more than 1.2 million.  

  (f)  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Chapter 451K, Transportation Code, by adding Section
451.5022, as follows: 

Section 451.5022.  BOARD COMPOSITION;  AUTHORITY HAVING PRINCIPAL
MUNICIPALITY WITH POPULATION GREATER THAN 1.2 MILLION.  Provides that this
section applies only to the board of an authority having a principal
municipality with a population of 1.2 million.  Provides that the board
will consist of nine certain members.  Requires the principal municipality
to include among its appointments to the board at least one person who
represents the interests of the transportation disadvantaged (the elderly,
persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals).  Defines
"principal county."  
 
SECTION 4.  Provides that this section applies only to a metropolitan
rapid transportation authority governed by a board to which Section
451.2022, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, applies.  
Provides that the changes in law made by this Act do not affect the
entitlement of a member serving on the board under a certain condition and
requires the commissioners court of the principal county to make an
appointment to fill a vacancy created under a certain condition. 
 
SECTION 5.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.