BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4532

By: Ortega

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A transportation project currently underway in El Paso seeks to reconstruct a segment of Interstate 10, including the trenched section and associated bridges that create a physical barrier between downtown El Paso and the rest of the community. As the project has progressed, a community-supported proposal has emerged for construction of the El Paso Deck Plaza, which would transform an area currently marred by an interstate into a true multimodal transportation facility that is inviting to all. The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) has offered its services to perform the engineering and construction needed to develop the deck plaza, but concerns have been raised regarding the lack of explicit authority for CRRMA to contribute toward this portion of the project. H.B. 4532 seeks to address this issue by revising the definition of "transportation project" under the Regional Mobility Authority Act to account for certain urban green spaces or aesthetic enhancements.

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. 4532 amends the Transportation Code to expand the definition of "transportation project" under the Regional Mobility Authority Act by including an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located adjacent to or connected with an interstate highway, which may include the following:

·       recreational, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities;

·       an intermodal hub; or

·       parking areas that may include components that will benefit a transit provider and promote economic development in areas adjacent to the facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.