BILL ANALYSIS
By: McClendon
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Rail Relocation and development fund was created in 2005 with the passing of House Bill 1546 (McClendon, Krusee, Herrero, Hamric, Guillen), and a constitutional amendment which passed later that year. After voters approved Proposition 1 to create the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund, no appropriations have been made to establish the fund since the 79th Regular Legislative Session.
House Bill 3747 enables the state to use General Revenue funds from appropriations made to the Texas rail relocation project.
Improvements to our rail system can produce benefits for both the private and public sector by improving public safety, increasing mobility, protecting air quality, facilitating economic development, increasing the value of our transportation assets and enabling freight to move faster.
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 91.071 (b) of the Transportation Code would be amended so that:
(b) The Texas Department of Transportation may not spend the money from the general revenue fund to put into service for this chapter except:
(1) an agreement to a line-item appropriation; or
(2) for money appropriated to the Texas rail relocation and improvement fund.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.