HBA-GUM S.B. 193 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 193
By: Ogden
State Affairs
5/21/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law provides a definition for an "economically disadvantaged
county."  The Texas Department of Transportation adjusts the minimum local
matching funds requirement for those counties who qualify for this
designation.  In order to qualify, a county must have a below average per
capita taxable property value, below average per capita income, and an
above average unemployment rate.  S.B. 193 redefines the term "economically
disadvantaged county" for purposes of financing a highway project.  

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.  Amends Section 222.053(a), Transportation Code, to redefine
"economically disadvantaged county" as a county that has a per capita
taxable property value that is less than onehalf the average per capita
taxable property value of counties in the state. Makes a conforming change.

SECTION 2.  Prohibits the Texas Transportation Commission from expending
more funds in any fiscal year of the 2000-2001 biennium to adjust the
minimum local matching funds requirement of economically disadvantaged
counties than what was expended for that purpose in fiscal year 1999.  

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.