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.