BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 2017

81R5642 JD-D                                                                                                                 By: Watson

Transportation & Homeland Security

4/4/2009

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Public input during the development of transportation projects is vital to ensuring that projects meet not just the needs identified by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), but also those of the community.  Engaging the public early in the process can reduce the need for major adjustments or delays to the project in the future.

As proposed, S.B. 2017 requires that the notice of the public hearing be posted no less than five and no more than 20 days before the event by publication in the locality.  This bill requires that the design and schematic layout of the project be provided to the local governing body and be posted  on TxDOT's Internet website.

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 Sections 203.021(b) and (c), Transportation Code, as follows:

(b) Requires that notice of the hearing be by publication in the locality.  Requires that the hearing be held not less than five or more than 20, rather than three or more than 10, days after the date of publication.

(c) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), at least seven days before the date of the public hearing, to file with the governing body of the county or municipality the design schematic layout of the project and post the design and schematic layout of the project on TxDOT's Internet website.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2009.