85R10087 JAM-D
 
  By: Oliveira H.B. No. 2199
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of a seaport preliminary studies
  grant program.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 156.251(d), Tax Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         (d)  An amount equal to the amount of revenue derived from
  the collection of taxes imposed by this chapter at a rate of
  one-half of one percent shall be allocated in the general revenue
  fund to be used for:
               (1)  media advertising and other marketing activities
  of the Tourism Division of the Texas Department of Commerce; and
               (2)  the seaport preliminary studies grant program
  established under Section 55.0031, Transportation Code.  [Section
  403.094(h), Government Code, does not apply to funds described in
  this section. This subsection takes effect October 1, 1994.]
         SECTION 2.  Chapter 55, Transportation Code, is amended by
  adding Section 55.0031 to read as follows:
         Sec. 55.0031.  SEAPORT PRELIMINARY STUDIES GRANT PROGRAM.
  The department by rule shall establish a program to provide grants
  for use in conducting preliminary studies or obtaining permits that
  may be required of the grant recipient to receive additional
  financial assistance for a port security, transportation, or
  facility project.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.