Bill

SB 637

85(R) - 2017
Senate Transportation
Senate Transportation

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Don Huffines

Bill Caption

Relating to state audits of a regional mobility authority that receives a grant or loan from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 637 would amend Transportation Code by adding a section authorizing audits of Regional Mobility Authorities by the legislative audit committee.

 

Prior to receiving grants administered by the Department of Transportation, the bill would require authorities to agree in writing to allow state audits on transportation projects at any point during the construction process until completion of the transportation project.

 

This bill would only apply to grant agreements that are entered on or after the effective date.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Transparency is a key facet of our liberty principles. In order for a free society that cherishes the ideas of liberty and self-government to flourish, the government must remain transparent. The State has the responsibility to the citizens it governs to promote ethical oversight of the funds authorized for the public benefit.

 

This bill creates greater oversight of funds administered by a state agency for transportation projects. The effort this bill makes would affirm our limited government and individual liberty principles. For these reasons, we support SB 637.