78R5590 JTS-D

By:  Krusee                                                     H.J.R. No. 80 



A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a county that is 
part of a regional mobility authority to issue obligations and 
enter into agreements for the acquisition, construction, 
maintenance, or operation of a transportation project or system of 
the authority.
	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                       
	SECTION 1.  Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by 
adding Section 52-d-1 to read as follows:
	Sec. 52-d-1. BONDS AND AGREEMENTS BY COUNTY FOR PROJECT OR 
SYSTEM OF REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY. (a) On the vote of a majority 
of the voters of the county voting on the issue, a county that is 
part of a regional mobility authority may, regardless of whether 
the transportation project or system is located inside or outside 
the boundaries of the county or the regional mobility authority:
		(1)  issue bonds, notes, or other obligations for the 
acquisition, construction, maintenance, or operation of a 
transportation project or system of the regional mobility 
authority; and
		(2)  enter into an agreement and make payments under an 
agreement to acquire, construct, maintain, or operate a 
transportation project or system of the regional mobility 
authority, including an agreement to:
			(A)  pay the principal of and interest on bonds, 
notes, or other obligations issued by the regional mobility 
authority for a transportation project or system; and
			(B)  make payments under a credit agreement of the 
regional mobility authority related to a transportation project or 
system.
	(b)  A county may levy and collect ad valorem taxes to:                 
		(1)  make payments under an agreement entered into by 
the county under Subsection (a);
		(2)  pay interest as it becomes due on bonds, notes, or 
other obligations issued by the county under that subsection; and
		(3)  provide a sinking fund for the redemption of 
bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by the county under that 
subsection.
	(c)  A county may enter into credit agreements in connection 
with any bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by the county 
under Subsection (a) or in connection with an agreement entered 
into by the county under that subsection.
	SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be 
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2003.  
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the 
proposition:  "The constitutional amendment authorizing a county 
that is part of a regional mobility authority to issue obligations 
and enter into agreements for the acquisition, construction, 
maintenance, or operation of a transportation project or system of 
the authority."