BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Across the state, counties are finding that funds allocated to local transportation projects are insufficient to meet increasing needs. Texas vehicle owners are required by the Transportation Code to pay a state registration fee proportional to the gross weight of the vehicle. Section 502.051 (Deposit of Registration Fees in State Highway Fund), Transportation Code, dedicates all collected fees to the state highway fund for the construction and maintenance of public roadways. The current state fee for passenger vehicles and light trucks is $50.75.
In addition to the state fee, vehicle owners in some counties pay an optional registration fee approved by the commissioners court. H.B. 2357, 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, authorized the Cameron County and Hildago County commissioners courts to impose an additional registration fee, not to exceed $10, to be used for certain transportation projects. Likewise, the Bexar County commissioners court annually approves an optional fee of $10 used for the road and bridge fund and $1.50 for child safety. The level of community needs, however, is increasing at a rate that exceeds the county's ability to accommodate those needs. An additional $10 registration fee in Bexar County would generate approximately $12 million for use by Bexar County to fund transportation projects within the county. Any revenue procured by the county under H.B. 1573 will be dedicated only to transportation projects covered by Section 370.003 of the Transportation Code.
H.B. 1573 amends current law relating to authorizing an optional county fee on vehicle registration in certain counties.
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 502.402, Transportation Code, by amending Subsections (a) and (e) and adding Subsection (g), as follows:
(a) Provides that this section applies only to:
(1) a county that border the United Mexican States, that has a population of more than 300,000, and in which the largest municipality has a population of less than 300,000; and
(2) a county that contains an advanced transportation district formed under Subchapter O (Advanced Transportation District), Chapter 451 (Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authorities).
Makes nonsubstantive changes.
(e) Requires that the additional fee be collected for a vehicle when other fees imposed under this chapter are collected. Requires that the fee revenue collected, except as provided by Subsection (g), be sent to the regional mobility authority of the county to fund long-term transportation projects in the county.
(g) Requires a county described by Subsection (a)(2) to deposit the fee revenue collected in a special account in the county general fund. Authorizes money in the account to be used only to fund or pledge for the financing of a transportation project.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2013.