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.