BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 82
85R1637 JRR-D	By: Nelson
	Transportation
	3/20/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 82 prohibits the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) from closing a state highway ramp for construction if TxDOT and the contractor receive notice of a scheduled event no later than 180 days before the event. Current law does not prohibit closing a highway during a city's event.

In 2014, exit ramps on State Highway 114 in Grapevine were closed for improvements during Grapefest, an annual event that attracts visitors from across the state, making it a challenge to attend. S.B. 82 would remedy this situation in the future by requiring TxDOT and contractors to work with cities before closing entrance/exit ramps on state highways.

As proposed, S.B. 82 amends current law relating to prohibiting the temporary closure of segments of the state highway system on days that certain scheduled events are being held.

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. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 223, Transportation Code, by adding Section 223.051, as follows:

Sec. 223.051. NOTIFICATION BY MUNICIPALITY OF SCHEDULED EVENT. Requires a contract for an improvement to a segment of the state highway system to prohibit a contractor from temporarily closing the highway, including temporarily relocating or changing an entrance or exit ramp to or from the highway, on the date that an event is scheduled to be held in a municipality in which the improvement is being proposed if, not later than 180 days before the scheduled date of the event, the municipality notifies the Texas Department of Transportation and the contractor of the date.

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.