BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1990
	By: Miles
	Transportation
	6/1/2021
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Legislature created the Gulf Coast Rail District (GCRD) to enhance the economic benefits of rail, while improving regional quality of life. With an anticipated addition of 4.2 million people and 1.6 million jobs by the year 2045, the eight-county Houston-Galveston region will see an influx of millions of additional trips on its transportation network. S.B. 1990 amends Section 171.053, Texas Transportation Code, to include advanced transportation technologies such as bus rapid transit and other modes of services to existing GCRD authority.

The greater Houston-Galveston area will benefit from a commuter rail system that includes bus rapid transit. A bus rapid transit system combines elements of light rail and a standard bus to provide faster and more convenient rides for the community. S.B. 1990 allows GCRD the ability to construct bus rapid transit projects, which will facilitate important partnership opportunities in transportation for the greater Houston-Galveston region.

(Original Author's / Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

S.B. 1990 amends current law relating to the powers of certain freight rail districts.

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 Section 171.053, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 171.053. New heading: INTERMUNICIPAL COMMUTER RAIL DISTRICT POWERS AND ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. Authorizes the governing bodies of a county with a population of 3.3 million or more or adjacent counties and of the most populous municipality in the most populous county to provide that the freight rail district (district) is authorized to provide advanced transportation, as defined by Section 451.701 (Definitions), by specifying in the concurrent order or ordinance creating the district that the district is authorized to provide those services. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.