HBA-CMT H.B. 2440 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2440
By: Krusee
Urban Affairs
7/10/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority held a referendum in
November 2000 for a light rail plan for Austin. Prior to the 77th
Legislature, Capitol Metro was prohibited from holding another referendum
on the plan for another year.  However, voter turn out tends to be higher
at elections in even numbered years.  House Bill 2440 provides that any
subsequent referendum for a rail plan held by certain rapid transit
authorities must be held at the general election in November of an even
numbered year. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2440 amends the Transportation Code to provide that a subsequent
referendum for a rail plan held by a rapid transit authority in which the
principal municipality has a population of less than 750,000 must be held
at the general election in November of an even-numbered year. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 11, 2001.