By:  Chavez, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Lucio)                      H.B. No. 1653
	(In the Senate - Received from the House May 7, 2003; 
May 9, 2003, read first time and referred to Committee on 
International Relations and Trade; May 19, 2003, reported 
favorably by the following vote:  Yeas 4, Nays 0; May 19, 2003, sent 
to printer.)


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT


relating to approval of the construction of a bridge over the Rio 
Grande. 
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 201.612, Transportation Code, is amended 
by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (g) to 
read as follows:
	(a)  A political subdivision or private entity authorized to 
construct or finance the construction of a bridge over the Rio 
Grande:
		(1)  must obtain approval from the commission and from 
the United States under Subchapter IV, Chapter 11, Title 33, United 
States Code, for the construction of the bridge [before requesting 
approval from the United States under Subchapter IV, Chapter 11, 
Title 33, United States Code]; and
		(2)  shall submit to the commission a report that 
details the feasibility, location, economic effect, and 
environmental impact of the bridge and any other information the 
commission by rule may require.
	(b)  The [To the maximum extent practicable, the] department 
shall:
		(1)  to the maximum extent practicable, implement the 
approval process in the manner least burdensome to an applicant; 
and
		(2)  allow an applicant to concurrently seek approval 
from the commission and the United States under Subsection (a)(1).
	(g)  If the commission does not approve construction of the 
bridge, the applicant shall withdraw the request for approval from 
the United States.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.



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