Bill Caption

Relating to requiring certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities to hold a referendum before spending any money for a fixed rail transit system.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This legislation would amend the Transportation Code to require metropolitan rapid transit authorities to place a referendum on the ballot to  acquire, construct, operate, or maintain any form of a fixed rail, requiring voter approval. This bill also specifies the information that must be provided on the ballot for a referendum relative to this subject. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

5/15/2015 Update:

Upon consideration of additional information brought to our attention after we originally published our support, we have moved to a position of oppose. The City of San Antonio has adopted a resolution preventing any rail projects unless they are first approved by the city. This legislation would supersede the elected officials of San Antonio and put the ballot initiative process in the hands of the unelected members of VIA Metropolitan Transit. This is exactly opposite of how the process should work. Empowering an unelected board to supersede the elected officials of the city is antithetical to limited government. On this basis we oppose SB 1837.