MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Transportation was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Robert Nichols, Chair Senator Don Huffines, Vice Chair	None
Senator Rodney Ellis
Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Sylvia Garcia
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Kelly Hancock Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Van Taylor

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The following business was transacted:

The Committee heard invited testimony on Agency Updates from the following:

Texas Department of Transportation

The roll was called, and a quorum was established.

Testimony from the Texas Department of Transportation continued.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Texas Department of Public Safety

Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

Testimony continued. 

Senator Nichols resumed the chair.

Testimony continued.

 Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

The Committee heard invited testimony on the following Interim Charges:

· Monitor any new and anticipated revenue appropriated to the Texas Department of transportation and make recommendations that address project prioritization and selection, effectiveness of staffing levels and project delivery methods.

• Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Transportation during the 84th Legislature, Regular Session and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
1. Progress of the Texas Department of Transportation's efforts to propose a plan to eliminate toll roads;
2. Removing eminent domain authority from private toll corporations;
3. Ending the issuing of any new debt from the Texas Mobility Fund (TMF) and prohibiting future use of the TMF on toll projects; and
4. The Sunset Advisory Commission's review of the Texas Department of Transportation.

Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

There being no further business, at 2:48 PM Senator Nichols moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Robert Nichols, Chair

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Amy Jeter, Clerk