Bill

HB 1986

85(R) - 2017
House Transportation
Senate Transportation
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Transportation
Senate Transportation
Eminent Domain
Property Rights
Special Districts
Transportation & Infrastructure

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Armando Martinez

Sponsor(s)

Eddie Lucio Jr.

Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of regional transit authorities; granting the power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds and charge fees; creating a criminal offense.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1986 would give certain counties the ability to create regional transit authorities, and the procedures for the creation and management of these authorities are established. This bill would grant these authorities powers to: take legal actions; leverage funds with a municipality to finance projects; acquire licenses, patents, rights, and other interests; issue bonds and charge fees; employ or contract individuals to serve as fare enforcement officers; implement and operate a public transportation system in the territory; and exercise the power of eminent domain. The bonds must be submitted to the attorney general for examination before the bonds are delivered. The property, revenue, and income of an authority are exempt from state and local taxes.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would grow the size, scope, and cost of government by creating a new transit authority with significant enumerated powers including that of eminent domain and issuing bond debt. For these reasons we oppose HB 1986 as a violation of our limited government and property rights principles.