By: Watson S.B. No. 1790

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to additional funding for transportation projects, including the issuance of revenue bonds; increasing motor vehicle registration fees.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 222.003, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:

(b-1) The commission may issue bonds and other public securities secured by a pledge of and payable from revenue derived from fees collected under Section 502.257, with the proceeds used to fund projects described by Section 502.257(b). Bonds and other public securities issued under this subsection:

(1) are not included in the limitations imposed under Subsection (b); and

(2) are not counted toward the required issuance under Subsection (d).

SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 502.257 to read as follows:

Sec. 502.257. FEE INCREASE FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS. (a) The registration fee for a motor vehicle under this chapter is increased by $50. The fee increased under this subsection is in addition to other fees imposed for registration of a motor vehicle.

(b) Revenue derived from fees collected under this section shall be used to fund right-of-way acquisition, feasibility studies, project planning, engineering, construction, and reconstruction.

(c) Sections 502.198 and 502.1983 do not apply to fees collected under this section.

SECTION 3. Section 502.257, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, applies only to the fee for a registration period beginning on or after the effective date of this Act. A fee for a registration period beginning before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the registration period began, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.