BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                           H.B. 1885

                                                                                                                                 By: Van Arsdale

                                                                                                                                     Transportation

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

House Bill 1885 would require that an informative, readable sign be erected on the approach to each toll booth listing the improvements the Texas Department of Transportation 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

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 361, Transportation Code, by adding Section 361.239.  Provides that when a highway is converted to a turnpike under Section 362.0041, the Texas Department of Transportation will place a readable sign approaching each toll booth informing motorists of the specific improvements the department has made or intends to make using revenue collected from the turnpike.

 

SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives the votes of two-thirds of the members of each chamber or on September 1, 2005 if it does not receive the necessary votes.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005.