BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 377

By: McClendon

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Texas rail relocation and improvement fund was created in the 79th Regular Session and approved by Texas voters at a constitutional amendment election in 2005.  Administered by the Texas Department of Transportation, the fund is intended to provide a dedicated method of financing for the relocation and improvement of privately and publicly owned passenger and freight rail facilities.

H.B. 377 amends the Transportation Code to allow funds appropriated to the Texas rail relocation and improvement fund to be spent on planning, studies, and execution of rail projects. 

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

H.B. 377 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation to spend money from the general revenue fund to implement the law relating to rail facilities without the need for a line-item appropriation if the money is received from the Texas economic development bank fund or appropriated to the Texas rail relocation and improvement fund. The bill makes conforming changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.