Bill

SB 1143

85(R) - 2017
Senate Transportation
Senate Transportation
Transportation & Infrastructure

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Bob Hall

Bill Caption

Relating to a prohibition on converting high occupancy vehicle highway lanes to tolled lanes.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, the Department of Transportation may only convert certain nontolled state highways to toll projects based on the number of lanes on the highway or other specific lanes. SB 1143 amends current Transportation Code by prohibiting the department from converting high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes into tolled lanes.

Vote Recommendation Notes

While the development of toll roads may be a tool in the process of alleviating public traffic concerns, the state highway system is funded and paid for by the Texas taxpayers. The conversion of these taxpayer funded roadways into toll projects is fiscally irresponsible.

 

Although tolling entities might work with the Department of Transportation in order to complete the construction of a project, the entity should be self-sustaining and not rely on additional tax payer funded support to operate the entity.

 

We support the reduction of the size and scope of government spending by restricting the use of funds available for the construction and acquisitions of toll facilities. Under our limited government principle, we support SB 1143.

Organizations Supporting

Texas TURF

Organizations Opposed

Texas Association of Business