BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                              C.S.H.B. 3275

80R21526 JRJ-F                                                                                       By: Miller, O'Day (Hegar)

Transportation & Homeland Security

5/18/2007

Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current law does not direct the Texas Transportation Commission to prioritize funding to highway projects that enhance federally designated emergency evacuation routes.  The state needs to better prepare our roadways for evacuation routes.

C.S.H.B. 3275 requires the Texas Transportation Commission to conduct a study of the feasibility of prioritizing the distribution of funds to highway projects that enhance federally designated emergency evacuation routes.

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.  (a)  Require the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) to conduct a study of the feasibility of prioritizing the distribution of funds to highway projects that enhance federally designated emergency evacuation routes.  Requires the study to determine the sources of funds available for those projects.

(b)  Requires the commission to submit to the legislature a written report containing the findings of the study and the commission's recommendations not later than January 15, 2009.

(c) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2009.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.