| TO: | Honorable Tommy Williams, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security |
| FROM: | John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB1750 by Darby (Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to lease and contract for the operation of rolling stock during certain emergencies.), As Engrossed |
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to authorize the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to issue an order authorizing TxDOT to lease rolling stock or contract with a qualified person or rail operator to operate rolling stock if the Executive Director determines that certain emergency conditions exist that threaten a TxDOT rail facility or the provision of rail services using a TxDOT rail facility or that the conditions threaten health, life, or property in the affected area. The bill would require TxDOT to provide notice of such an order in a local newspaper, local television or radio, or by circulating notices or posting signs in the affected area. The bill would authorize TxDOT to use any available funds to implement the provisions of the bill, including undedicated State Highway Funds and any General Revenue Funds appropriated to the department. The bill would prohibit TxDOT employees from operating rolling stock. The bill would require TxDOT to send a copy of any contract entered into to satisfy the requirements of the bill to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), in a format determined by the LBB.
Based on the analysis of TxDOT, it is assumed any costs or duties associated with implementing the provisions of the bill would be absorbed within the agency's existing resources.
| Source Agencies: | 601 Department of Transportation
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, KJG, MW, TG
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