BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1570
81R11013 JTS-D By: Carona
Transportation & Homeland Security
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The key to future mobility in Texas is a well-rounded transportation portfolio that includes highways; transit, commercial and general aviation; and high-speed intercity passenger trains. Grassroots efforts exist to bring about high-speed rail, yet no state-level entity has stepped forward to move aggressively in coordinating these efforts or serving as a clearinghouse and focal point for funding, especially available federal funding.
As proposed, S.B. 1570 calls for the Texas Transportation Institute to contract with a nonprofit corporation consisting of local and elected officials organized to implement high-speed rail in this state, to negotiate on behalf of this state, and to facilitate, analyze, and implement the development of high-speed rail within the state of Texas.
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 Title 5, Transportation Code, by adding Chapter 92, as follows:
CHAPTER 92. HIGH-SPEED RAIL
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 92.001. DEFINITIONS. Defines "high-speed rail," "high-speed rail corporation," and "institute."
[Reserves Sections 92.002-92.050 for expansion.]
SUBCHAPTER B. HIGH-SPEED RAIL FACILITATION, ANALYSIS, AND IMPLEMENTATION
Sec. 92.051. CONTRACT FOR FACILITATION, ANALYSIS, AND IMPLEMENTATION. (a) Requires the Texas Transportation Institute to contract with a nonprofit corporation consisting of local transportation and elected officials organized to implement high-speed rail in this state, to negotiate on behalf of this state, and to facilitate, analyze, and implement the development of high-speed rail.
(b) Authorizes the high-speed rail corporation to solicit federal and state funding to be allocated to the institute for the purposes of this subchapter; coordinate with federal planners and representatives from adjacent states for the interconnectivity of high-speed rail systems in this state with systems developed in federally designated high-speed rail corridors in other states; represent and negotiate on behalf of this state for the interconnectivity of high-speed rail with existing and planned transportation systems, including airports, seaports, transit systems, commuter rail systems, and highways; and coordinate with federal transportation planners and officials at the United States Department of Defense or its successor agency regarding issues related to the provision of connectivity to military installations in this state.
Sec. 92.052. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. Requires the high-speed rail system developed under this subchapter to provide high-speed rail connectivity to this state's four largest airports, enhance connectivity for and ease of passenger transport from military installations located in this state, and be developed in collaboration with high-speed rail projects in other areas of the United States to ensure interconnectivity with other federally designated high-speed rail corridors.
Sec. 92.053. REPORTS. Requires the high-speed rail corporation to annually submit a report regarding its activities under this subchapter to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the standing committee in the senate and the house of representatives that has primary jurisdiction over rail transportation issues.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.