HBA-JRA H.B. 2809 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2809
By: Swinford
Agriculture & Livestock
4/7/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

After the deregulation of railroads during the 75th Texas Legislature, many
industries, particularly the grain industry, faced immediate uncertainty
regarding the transportation of commodities.  H.B. 2809 requires the Texas
Department of Agriculture, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the Texas
Department of Transportation to jointly conduct a comprehensive study of
grain transportation in Texas. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  GRAIN TRANSPORTATION STUDY.  Requires the Department of
Agriculture, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the Texas Department of
Transportation to jointly conduct a comprehensive study of grain
transportation in Texas.  Provides that the study must include data
available from grain elevator operators, railroads, and truck operators and
analyze the performance and costs associated with the transportation of
grain by rail or truck.  Provides that a report of the study must be filed
with the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of
representatives by January 2, 2001. 

SECTION 2.  EMERGENCY.  Emergency clause.
Effective date: upon passage.