SRC-LBB, LBB S.B. 249 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 249 78R3408 JTS-FBy: Janek Infrastructure Development and Security 2/14/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, there is no procedure for allowing certain vehicles priority in boarding the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry. The Bolivar Peninsula has seen an increase in tourist traffic and prolonged waiting periods for passage onto the Bolivar ferry. As proposed, S.B. 249 allows priority boarding on the ferry to and from the Bolivar Peninsula for the owner of a motor vehicle who obtains a ferry sticker. Vehicles with the required sticker will be given priority in boarding the ferry only until the ferry reaches 50 percent of its vehicle capacity. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Transportation in SECTION 1 (Section 342.503, Transportation Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 342, Transportation Code, by adding Subchapter G, as follows: SUBCHAPTER G. GALVESTON-PORT BOLIVAR FERRY Sec. 342.501. FERRY VEHICLE STICKER. (a) Authorizes an owner of a motor vehicle registered under Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles) to apply for a vehicle sticker from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) that entitles the vehicle to have priority in boarding the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry. (b) Requires TxDot to design the sticker and designate the place where the sticker must be affixed to the motor vehicle windshield. Sec. 342.502. FEE. (a) Sets forth the annual fee for a ferry vehicle sticker under this subchapter. (b) Requires TxDot to deposit fees collected under Subsection (a) to the credit of the state highway fund. Sec. 342.503. RULES AND FORMS. (a) Authorizes TxDot to adopt rules to administer this subchapter. (b) Requires TxDot to prescribe forms necessary for the administration of this subchapter. (c) Requires TxDot to adopt rules ensuring that vehicles with the required sticker be given priority in boarding the ferry only until the ferry reaches 50 percent of its vehicle capacity. SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 2003.