BILL ANALYSIS
By: Phillips
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Section 201.706, Transportation Code, requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to assist counties with materials to repair and maintain county roads. The total annual value of the assistance must be at least $6 million. Section 201.706 only provides for TxDOT to provide materials. Sometimes a county lacks the equipment necessary to accomplish the work. HB 2623 authorizes TxDOT, as part of its county assistance program, to provide equipment to counties for the repair and maintenance of county roads.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Transportation in SECTION 1 of this bill.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 201.706, Transportation Code, to: (1) authorize TxDOT, as part of the county assistance required under this section, to provide counties with equipment to repair and maintain county roads; (2) clarify that Chapter 2175, Government Code, concerning the disposal of surplus and salvage property, does not apply to assistance provided under this section; and (3) clarify that, except for cooperative and joint procurement of road materials with counties, this section does not authorize TxDOT to purchase materials or equipment for a county.
SECTION 2. Provides for immediate effect.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005.