AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Chapter 364, Transportation Code, authorizes a county on the United States-Mexico border to operate a toll bridge, including an international toll bridge. El Paso County has constructed such a bridge as part of the international crossing at Tornillo, and in almost every respect the bridge is governed by Chapter 364.

 

Although Sections 364.004(a) and (b) authorize a county to enter into an operating agreement with a private or governmental entity, Section 364.004(c) limits such operating agreements to a county with a population under 675,000, which excludes El Paso County.

 

H.B. 1833 removes the population bracket to allow any county along the United States-Mexico border to contact with another entity to operate a toll bridge. This will allow counties to determine the most efficient method to operate these critical facilities and contract with another entity if that be determined to be the best option.

 

H.B. 1833 amends current law relating to agreements of certain counties to acquire, construct, maintain, or operate a toll bridge.

 

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. Repealer: Section 364.004(c) (providing that this section does not apply to a county with a population of more than 675,000), Transportation Code.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.