SRC-LBB S.B. 661 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 661
78R5709 JRJ-DBy: Ogden
Infrastructure Development and Security
3/5/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation is able to expedite
highway contracting projects on a designated state highway if there is a
"highway emergency."  As proposed, S.B. 661 
expands the definition of "highway emergency" by authorizing the Texas
Transportation Commission (TTC) to declare a "safety emergency" that would
qualify as a "highway emergency."  A "safety emergency" is based on rules
adopted by TTC, taking into consideration accident data, traffic volume,
pavement geometry, or other considerations that create or exacerbate a
hazard to the traveling public. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Transportation
Commission in SECTION 1(Section 223.101, Transportation Code) of this
bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 223.101(1), Transportation Code, to expand the
definition of "highway emergency,"  to allow the Texas Transportation
Commission (TTC) to declare a safety emergency based on criteria
established by rules adopted by TTC that take into consideration accident
data, traffic volume, pavement geometry, or other conditions that create
or exacerbate a hazard to the safety of the traveling public. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.