BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 183
79R10142 DWS-F By: Lucio
International Relations and Trade Committee
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature established the Texas Transportation Commission's Border Trade Advisory Committee (committee) in order to assist the commission in defining and developing a strategy as well as making recommendations for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges. The commission, in making determinations on its committee's recommendations, was directed to consider the importance of trade with the United Mexican States, potential sources of funding for border ports, and the value of trade activity in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) districts adjacent to the border with the United Mexican States.
During the last legislative interim, TxDOT representatives indicated that there have been several meetings to address the steep learning curve associated with understanding TxDOT operations and resources and that to date, the committee has not approved any strategies or recommendations that address transportation challenges for the border.
C.S.S.B. 183 provides the commission with greater legislative direction in terms of the composition of the committee. The bill strengthens the committee by making the border commerce coordinator the chair of the committee.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the Texas Transportation Commission is modified in SECTION 1 (Section 201.114, Transportation Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 201.114, Transportation Code, as follows:
(a) Defines "coordinator."
(b) Requires the border commerce coordinator (coordinator) to serve on the Border Trade Advisory Committee as presiding officer. Requires the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) to appoint the other members of the committee. Sets forth the requirements regarding other members to be included.
(c) Redesignated from existing Subsection (a). Requires the commission establish the Border Trade Committee to define and develop a strategy and make recommendations to the commission and the governor for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges. Requires the commission to consider specific factors in determining action to be taken on the recommendations.
(d) Redesignated from existing Subsection (b). Authorizes the commission to adopt rules governing the Border Trade Advisory Committee.
(e) Provides that Chapter 2110 (State Agency Advisory Committees), Government Code, does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the Border Trade Advisory Committee.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 201.6011, Transportation Code, as follows:
Sec. 201.6011. (a) Adds Subsection (3) which contains an additional integrated international trade corridor plan requirement.
(b) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation to update the plan biennially, in addition to the previous requirement to report on the implementation of this section to the presiding officer of each house of legislature no later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, rather than 2004.
SECTION 3. Provides that the term of a member serving on the Border Trade Advisory Committee immediately preceding the effective date of this Act expires on that date. Provides that the member may be reappointed to the committee.
SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.