BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2142
81R2913 JAM-D By: McClendon, Menendez (Carona)
Transportation & Homeland Security
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
H.B. 2142 amends current law relating to the promotion of toll projects by the Texas Department of Transportation.
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. Amends Section 228.004, Transportation Code, as follows:
Sec. 228.004. New heading: TOLL PROJECT INFORMATION. (a) Creates this subsection from existing text. Authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), notwithstanding Chapter 2113 (Use of Appropriated Money), Government Code, to engage in marketing, advertising, and other activities to provide information relating to the status of pending or ongoing, rather than to promote the development and use of, toll projects and enter into contracts or agreements necessary to procure marketing, advertising, or informational, rather than other promotional, services from outside service providers.
(b) Provides that this section does not authorize TxDOT to engage in marketing, advertising, or other activities for the purpose of influencing public opinion about the use of toll roads or the use of tolls as a financial mechanism.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.