BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1833

By: Pickett

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that certain counties have authority to construct and operate a toll bridge but no authority to operate such a facility under a contract with another entity, even if the county has determined such a method to be more cost-effective and efficient and a better way to serve the county's interests. H.B. 1833 seeks to allow certain counties to contract with another entity to operate a toll bridge.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 1833 repeals Section 364.004(c), Transportation Code, which excludes a county with a population of more than 675,000 from the authorization for a county to enter into and make payments under an agreement with a private entity or another governmental entity to acquire, construct, maintain, or operate a toll bridge, including an international toll bridge.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.