BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 1885

79R8582 JTS-D                                                                                 By: Van Arsdale (Wentworth)

Transportation & Homeland Security

5/20/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 1885 requires that an informative, readable sign be erected on the approach to each toll booth listing the improvements the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has made, or proposes to make, via the revenue collected from the tolls at that booth.  This would provide increased transparency in TxDOT spending to the public.

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 Subchapter F, Chapter 361, Transportation Code, by adding Section 361.239 to read as follows:

Sec. 361.239.  TOLL REVENUE INFORMATIONAL SIGNS ON CONVERTED HIGHWAYS.  Requires the Texas Department Transportation (department) to place an informational sign, readable to passing motorists, on the approach to each toll booth on a highway converted to a turnpike under Section 362.0041 (Conversion Projects) that identifies the specific improvements the department has made or proposes to make using revenue collected for use of the turnpike.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.