SRC-MSY S.J.R. 31 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 31
78R4037 MTB-FBy: Wentworth
Infrastructure Development and Security
3/20/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Constitution dedicates certain revenues from motor
vehicle registrations and sales taxes on motor fuels to the construction,
maintenance, and policing of public roads.  As proposed, S.J.R. 31 would
amend the constitution to allow such funds to also be used to purchase
rights-of-way for railroads and utilities, if such expenditures are deemed
by the Texas Transportation Commission to be beneficial to the state
highway system. 

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 7-a, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to add
that funds from motor vehicle registration fees and taxes on motor fuels
may be used for the purpose of planning and acquiring rights-of-way for
railroads and utilities, including certain infrastructure components, if
the Texas Transportation Commission or its successor finds that the
expenditure will benefit the state highway system. 

SECTION 2.  Requires the proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election on November 4, 2003.  Requires the ballot to
be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition contained in
specified text.