BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1777

By: Moody

International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that recent media attention has focused on what some have called excessively long wait times at international ports of entry between Mexico and Texas. Some business leaders have expressed concern that these wait times are having a negative impact on their industries and international trade generally. H.B. 1777 seeks to address these concerns by requiring the Border Trade Advisory Committee to conduct a one-time study regarding the nature and extent of any such problems and to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature.

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. 1777 amends the Transportation Code to require the Border Trade Advisory Committee to conduct a study regarding the effects on international trade of wait times at points of entry between the United States and the United Mexican States located in Texas. The bill requires the committee to consult with the Texas Transportation Commission to the extent that the commission may provide useful information, expertise, or resources to further the study and requires the commission to assist the committee with the study. The bill requires the study to include recommendations regarding intergovernmental initiatives to reduce wait times and promote international trade and requires the committee, not later than October 1, 2014, to submit a report to the legislature that includes the results of the study and any associated recommendations. The bill's provisions expire January 1, 2015.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.