BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 718
80R6186 MTB-D By: Ogden
Transportation & Homeland Security
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The 78th Legislature granted the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) the authority to plan, design, construct, and operate the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC), which is a multi-use network of state highways, railway, and utilities. Currently, the commission does not have to consider using existing state highways when selecting the route for the TTC, but does have to consider current and projected traffic patterns, safety, potential risks from spills, and environmental effects including effects on air quality, economic development, and system connectivity.
As proposed, S.B. 718 amends Section 227.012, Transportation Code, by adding Subsections (b) and (c), directing the commission to utilize the Texas Highway Trunk System whenever possible. If the commission determines that the trunk system cannot be utilized as part of the TTC route, then the commission is required to report to and provide an explanation of their determination to all members of the legislature within 10 days.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 227.012, Transportation Code, as follows:
(a) Creates this subsection from existing text.
(b) Requires the Texas Transportation Commission (commission), to the extent possible, to select a route for the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) that lies on the Texas Highway Trunk System (system).
(c) Requires the commission, if it is determined that it is impossible to select a route for the TTC next to the system, to file a written report with each member of the legislature that includes the reasons supporting this determination within 10 days.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.