Bill: SB 139, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate Finance

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Charles Perry

Bill Caption

Relating to use of money in the state highway fund.

Fiscal Notes

A fiscal note dated April 20, 2015 anticipates a two-year net impact to General Revenue Related Funds of $0. However, it adds that, assuming appropriation levels used in the current (2014-15) biennium, the bill would result in a negative General Revenue Related impact of $561,060,182 beginning in fiscal year 2018 to replace State Highway Fund 6 for the purposes authorized under current law.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

Currently, money from the State Highway fund can be used to improve the state highway system, to mitigate adverse environmental effects that result directly from construction or maintenance of a state highway by the department, or by the Department of Public Safety to police the state highway system and to administer state laws relating to traffic and safety on public roads.

Senate Bill 139 would amend Section 222.001 of the Transportation Code related to the use of the State Highway Fund to stop allowing that money from the State Highway Fund may be used by the Department of Public Safety to police the state highway system and to administer state laws relating to traffic and safety on public roads.

Senate Bill 139 would take effect on September 1, 2017 only if SJR 12 is passed and its constitutional amendment approved by voters.

Senate Bill 139 is the enabling legislation for SJR 12.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Senate Bill 139 would stop the currently allowed appropriation of money from the State Highway Fund to the Department of Public Safety. Ending this diversion would mean that the Department of Transportation would receive more money to improve, repair or build new roads in Texas.

Senate Bill 139 would allow more transparency for the taxpayers and accountability from state government since revenue dedicated to the State Highway Fund, also known as Fund 6, would be appropriated for its intended purpose. We support Senate Bill 139.

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 09:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb139?print_view=true