| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Relating to toll collection and enforcement on state highway toll lanes by entities other than the Texas Department of Transportation.
HB 1116 would give privately owned toll entities the same powers and duties as the Texas Department of Transportation with regard to toll collection and enforcement, except that private entities would be able to set their own prices for tolls.
Texas Action is neutral on HB 1116. It is important to note, however, that private entities are inherently different from governmental entities and while we understand the intent of the bill is to make it easier for commuters by streamlining the payment process, it is concerning that more governmental authority would be delegated to a private company. Consideration of how this may impact future collaboration between government-owned toll roads and privately owned toll roads should be taken into account.