HBA-MSH, EDN H.J.R. 55 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.J.R. 55
By: Alexander
Transportation
2/12/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, the Texas Constitution provides that the legislature may
authorize the Texas Department of Transportation to expend money, from any
source available, for the costs of turnpikes, toll roads, or toll bridges
of the Texas Turnpike Authority, provided that any money expended out of
the state highway fund are repaid to the fund from tolls or other turnpike
revenue.  Entities that construct toll facilities seek federal and state
highway funds to leverage existing funds and complete the financing for
high-cost facilities, but repayment obligations may make construction
infeasible.  House Joint Resolution 55 removes the requirement that funds
expended for these purposes be repaid.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

House Joint Resolution 55 amends the Texas Constitution to remove the
requirement that any money expended, granted, or loaned out of the state
highway fund for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or operation
of turnpikes, toll roads, and toll bridges be repaid. 

FOR ELECTION

This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at
an election to be held November 6, 2001.