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41 Document(s) [ Subject: Highway finance ]

Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Alternative fuel vehicles | Border economy | Border issues | Coronavirus | Electric vehicles | Federal funds | Freight | Highway finance | International trade | License plates | Motor Vehicles, Texas Department of | Ports | Railroads | Ships and shipping | Texas Mobility Fund | Transportation planning | Trucking |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 T687
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [74 pages  File size: 2,966 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the impact that trade across the Texas-Mexico border has on the Texas economy. Consider the impact of the recent increase in border migration on transnational trade, including its effects on the communities along the border, points of entry, and access by Texas businesses to supplies, labor, materials, and markets in Mexico. (Joint charge with Committee on International Relations & Economic Development)
2. Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
3. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • HB 2219, 87th R.S., relating to the issuance of Texas Mobility Fund obligations;
  • HB 3514, 87th R.S., relating to the functions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and
  • HB 3927, 87th R.S., relating to temporary motor vehicle tags.
4. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
5. Study current and future transportation needs and consider improvements to ensure that Texas is adequately planning for the state's population growth forecasts. Evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation projects and investment decisions.
6. Study the impacts that increased federal funding, formula changes, and new programs authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will have on state transportation projects. Evaluate strategies to ensure Texas communities can maximize receipt of federal grant funds.
7. Study the impact of the increasing sale and use of electric and alternatively fueled vehicles on revenue predictions for the state highway fund. Recommend a road use revenue equalization methodology to create fairness and parity between gasoline, electric and alternatively fueled vehicles.
8. Study policies impacting truck transportation, a key link in the supply-chain, including utilizing state property and right-of-way for natural gas fueling stations and truck parking, the potential shortage of drivers and sellers of commercial trucks, the shortage of truck parking options to accommodate hours of service regulations, and ways to reduce border crossing wait times. Examine regulatory and statutory impediments to connected vehicle and autonomous technologies aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of trucking in Texas.
9. Examine the ability of the state’s seaports to promote the public purposes of state economic growth, diversification, and commerce through development of port-owned properties within their boundaries. Review the investments needed for Texas ports to remain competitive in handling increased cargo volumes and ensuring a resilient supply chain.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Billboards | Highway finance | International trade | Ports | Self-driving motor vehicles | State Highway Fund | Toll roads | Traffic fatalities | Traffic safety | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.86 T687
Session: 86th R.S. (2019)
Online version: View report [61 pages  File size: 2,988 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensureintended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • HB 803 and SB 198, which relate to toll project financial reporting and use payments. Monitor the effectiveness of the tools available to Texas toll project entities for enforcing unpaid tolls while protecting customer rights.
  • SB 282 and SB 962, which relate to the funding for the State Highway Fund. Study the current mix of user fee-based funding for the state highway system, including registration fees, tolls, and fuel tax, and determine if current funding generated is sufficient to maintain cost demands. Examine whether current legislative appropriations, including projections for Proposition 1 (severance tax) and Proposition 7 (sales tax) funds, are keeping pace with Texas' highway funding needs to accommodate population and economic development growth. Make recommendations for additional methods of funding or innovative tools that the state could utilize to deliver road infrastructure projects.
  • SB 357, which relates to outdoor advertising signs. Monitor the Texas Department of Transportation's implementation of the new statutory requirements set forth in the legislation, including any related rulemaking.
2. Study the state's transportation and road safety efforts in support of the Texas Transportation Commission's goal of ending traffic deaths in the state by 2050. Identify the most dangerous roads and transportation corridors in the state and determine opportunities to reduce high rates of traffic accidents and fatalities in these areas. Make recommendations to improve policies, funding strategies, program development, and agency coordination to ensure continuous improvements to road safety.
3. Study the technology and safety aspects of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, including predictive capabilities and the potential for dedicated freeway and surface lanes for public transportation, autonomous vehicles, and semi-autonomous vehicles. Make recommendations for optimizing state policy to prepare for varying vehicle technologies to ensure safety and traffic reliability on Texas roadways.
4. Study the state's seaport infrastructure and the infrastructure at land ports of entry to facilitate international trade and economic growth. Examine seaport infrastructure and the auxiliary rail and roadway needs connected to each port as well as the port's ability to keep pace with oil and gas production. Make recommendations to maximize the economic flow of goods and products to and from seaports and study the feasibility and economic impact of dredging and widening Texas ports in order to remain competitive in international trade. Examine the infrastructure at international border ports of entry in Texas and identify transportation-related impediments to international trade that negatively impact the state. Make recommendations to reduce border wait times, facilitate economic growth, and expedite trade.(Joint charge with the House Committee on International Relations & Economic Development)
5. Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: County roads | Emergency management | Highway construction | Highway finance | Hurricane Harvey | Infrastructure | International trade | Natural disasters | Natural gas industry | Oil industry | Ports | Self-driving motor vehicles | Semi-trailer trucks | Toll roads | Traffic | Transportation | Transportation planning | Transportation, Texas Department of | Unmanned aircraft |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 T687
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [67 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the state's response to Hurricane Harvey and natural disaster preparedness with respect to the transportation system and transportation infrastructure. Make recommendations for improving agency operations related to emergency preparedness and response.
2. Study the ability of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to deliver highway construction projects that reduce congestion and improve mobility, including the Department's options and limitations related to contracting. Make recommendations to improve the Department's ability to complete complex projects on time and under cost.
3. Study the efficacy of existing transportation finance mechanisms from state, regional, and local perspectives. Identify opportunities to improve existing transportation finance mechanisms and investigate the feasibility of developing new ones.
4. Study Texas' various toll authorities and evaluate their transparency and stakeholder responsiveness. Make recommendations to improve the state oversight of toll authorities.
5. Review the management of the oversize/overweight permitting system and ensure that the state is adequately protecting the driving public and road integrity. Make recommendations to improve operations.
6. Study emerging issues in transportation related to technology and evaluate the state's preparedness for addressing challenges and opportunities posed by technological advances. Review the implementation of state and federal programs and legislation related to intelligent transportation systems, autonomous vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems (i.e. drones), and other technological changes.
7. Review the current state of infrastructure at Texas' international shipping ports and border ports of entry in Texas. Identify transportation-related impediments to international trade and estimate the impact of those challenges, including border wait times, on the state's economy. Make recommendations for improvements to facilitate international trade and economic growth. (Joint charge with the House Committee on International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs)
8. Evaluate the impact energy exploration and production have on state and county roads and make recommendations on how to improve road quality in areas impacted by these activities. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Energy Resources)
9. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee will also specifically monitor the implementation of the TxDOT Sunset legislation and related management actions.
Committee: Senate Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Federal funds | Fines | Highway finance | Highways | Houston Ship Channel | Human trafficking | Hurricane Harvey | Ports | Toll roads | Traffic violations | Transportation planning |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 T685
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [70 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the state’s transportation infrastructure and make recommendations on how best to rebuild assets efficiently and effectively.
2. Funding Opportunities for Texas Ports: Review the state's appropriations for Texas' ports and the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund and make recommendations for increased investment to meet future needs.
3. Project Acceleration: Study and make recommendations regarding segregating state and federal transportation funding to accelerate project delivery.
4. Toll Road Penalties: Review penalty practices employed by toll authorities throughout the state and make recommendations to improve customer service and eliminate unjustified penalties.
5. Human Smuggling: Examine the anti-smuggling efforts of governmental and non-governmental entities under the committee's jurisdiction. Compare the findings to best practices in other states and make recommendations to help advance efforts in the fight against human smuggling.
6. Highway Naming: Review the state's policy related to the naming of state highways for individuals and make recommendations to limit and reform the criteria of such designations.
7. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Transportation during the 85th Legislatu re, Regular Session and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/ or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: • Implementation of statutory changes specified in the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) sunset legislation. 1) requiring toll road entities to use toll revenue to pay back TxDOT for grants used to construct toll roads. 2) prohibiting TxDOT from operating or transferring a HOV lane as a tolled lane. 3) authorizing TxDOT to convert non-tolled lanes as toll lanes - only if the number of non-tolled lanes is greater than or equal to the number in existence before the toll conversion project. 4) prohibiting TxDOT from awarding contracts unless the contractor participates in E-verify; and • Progress of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) efforts to issue an annual permit for transporting overweight, sealed intermodal shipping containers on TxDOT approved routes within 30 miles of a port of entry or an international bridge.
Committee: Senate Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Driver Responsibility Program | Eminent domain | Highway finance | Motor vehicle safety inspections | Panama Canal | Ports | Regional mobility authorities | Semi-trailer trucks | State government debt | Sunset review process | Texas Mobility Fund | Toll roads | Transportation planning | Transportation, Texas Department of | Truck inspection stations | Trucking |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 T685
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [61 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. TxDOT Funding: Monitor any new and anticipated revenue appropriated to the Texas Department of Transportation and make recommendations that address project prioritization and selection, effectiveness of staffing levels and project delivery methods.
2. Vehicle Inspection System: Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's Vehicle Inspection Program. Make recommendations on how to compress or otherwise reduce the number of required inspections.
3. Regional Mobility Authorities: Review State Highway Fund grants and loans to Regional Mobility Authorities (RMA) and make recommendations if additional oversight procedures are needed to ensure the RMA’s expenditures are a valid and accountable use of State Highway Funds.
4. Panama Canal: Study the demand placed on the state’s ports, roadways and railways resulting from the Panama Canal expansion and make recommendations to ensure transportation infrastructure is adequate to accommodate increases in imports and exports.
5. Driver Responsibility Program: Evaluate the necessity of the Driver Responsibility Program and make recommendations for alternative methods of achieving the programs objectives.
6. Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Regulations, Penalties and Fines: Review current state and federal regulations, penalties and fines related to oversize and overweight vehicles and make recommendations to minimize impacts on the state's roadways and bridges.
7. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Transportation during the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1) Progress of the Texas Department of Transportation's efforts to propose a plan to eliminate toll roads; 2) Removing eminent domain authority from private toll corporations; 3) Ending the issuing of any new debt from the Texas Mobility Fund (TMF) and prohibiting future use of the TMF on toll projects; and 4) The Sunset Advisory Commission's review of the Texas Department of Transportation.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Amtrak | County government | Freight | Gulf Intracoastal Waterway | Highway finance | Highway maintenance | Highway planning | Highways | Light rail transit systems | Mass transit | Motor vehicle registration | Motor vehicle safety inspections | Motor Vehicles, Texas Department of | Municipalities | Natural gas fields | Panama Canal | Ports | Railroads | Rural areas | Semi-trailer trucks | Tax increment reinvestment zones | Traffic | Traffic safety | Transportation planning | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T687
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [0 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Evaluate actions by state agencies under the committee's jurisdiction to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Consider the cost-saving outsourcing of technologies and recently developed practices, such as the conversion of roadways, used by the Department of Transportation designed to demonstrate savings. Identify and make recommendations on the credibility and effectiveness of these goals.
2. Monitor the usage of state funds by the Texas Department of Transportation for improving road quality in areas impacted by Energy Sector activities.
3. Evaluate the status of Texas's port system, including a review of the structure and operations of the Maritime Division of the Texas Department of Transportation.
4. Evaluate the status of passenger and freight rail in Texas, including a review of the structure and operations of the Rail Division of the Texas Department of Transportation.
5. Review the state of our current transportation infrastructure outside of the five most populous areas. Explore future needs of our infrastructure and make recommendations to ensure long-range sufficiency.
6. Monitor the implementation of the "Turn-Back Program" by the Texas Department of Transportation, specifically its fiscal impact to municipalities and taxpayers.
7. Examine county authority to utilize tax increment financing and transportation reinvestment zones to fund transportation projects.
8. Monitor and review the efforts of the Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Texas Technology Task Force (TTTF). The TTTF shall study emerging transportation, communication, and computing technologies and determine physical infrastructure and system components that TxDOT or other state departments would need to provide to enable selected technologies. The task is to be completed by TTTF as directed by SB 1, 83rd R.S., item 44, Article VII-31. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Technology)
9. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee: Senate Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Highway finance | Motor vehicle insurance | Natural gas production | Oil production | Privatization | Semi-trailer trucks | TexasSure | Toll roads | Traffic | Traffic safety | Transportation, Texas Department of | Uninsured motorists |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T685
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [43 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine the anticipated impact increased oil and gas production will continue to have on roadways and bridges. Make recommendations to enhance the safety and infrastructure damaged by truck activity related to oil and gas exploration and production.
2. Evaluate the Texas Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organization's progress on reducing congestion on the 100 Most Congested Roadway segments and make recommendations to advance the development of the remaining congestion relief projects.
3. Evaluate Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDA) and Design/Build project delivery methods and make recommendations for their future role in reducing congestion and continuing the state's economic growth.
4. Examine the implementation of SB 1792, 83rd R.S., which provides remedies for habitual violators of nonpayment of tolls and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
5. Study and monitor the state's efforts to protect taxpayers from uninsured motorists. Make recommendations to improve compliance of maintaining motor vehicle liability insurance and registration.
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Highway finance | Motor fuels taxes | State Highway Fund | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Transportation bonds |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T686fh
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [33 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the future reliability of current state transportation funding sources, alternatives that may increase available state funding for surface transportation, use of debt financing in state transportation, alternative transportation funding options, current and historic appropriations to the Texas Department of Transportation, use of the state highway fund for other agencies, and the original purpose of the economic stabilization fund.
Committee: Senate Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Highway finance | Motor fuels taxes | Motor vehicle registration | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T686fs
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [15 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Look at the current state of transportation funding, expenditures and new methods to finance our future transportation needs.
Supporting documents
Committee: Senate Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Testimony, Whitney Brewster, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, State Assistance for County Roads, October 9, 2013
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T686FSM 2013: OCT 9
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [38 pages  File size: 37,931 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 6, 2014 (Motor fuel taxes/gas taxes, highway funding overview)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [95 pages  File size: 6,934 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 5, 2014 (Potential revenue sources)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [177 pages  File size: 4,791 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 4, 2014 (Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [87 pages  File size: 3,095 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, October 8, 2014 (Economic Stabilization Fund, Regional Mobility Authorities)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [35 pages  File size: 1,277 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, October 28, 2014 (Funding options for the 84th Legislature)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [4 pages  File size: 73 kb]
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Bridges | Environmental protection | Federal funds | Highway finance | Highway maintenance | International trade | Mass transit | Panama Canal | Ports | Texas Mobility Fund | Traffic | Transportation | Transportation planning | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.82 T687
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [61 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the state of our current transportation infrastructure, including studying roadway, bridge, and waterway quality and long-range plans by the Texas Department of Transportation for maintaining these assets. Explore future needs of our infrastructure for the next decade and make recommendations to ensure long-range sufficiency.
2. Study the state's preparedness for the expansion of the Panama Canal and determine whether the state's infrastructure is ready for the increase in commerce.
3. Conduct a thorough review of the operations of transit organizations in Texas. Explore possible reforms to streamline and improve services to Texans.
4. Study the environmental review process for transportation projects and monitor the implementation of reforms newly passed by the 82nd Legislature. Continue to work with all stakeholders to develop any necessary changes. (Joint with the House Committee on Environmental Regulation)
5. Study transportation funding reforms and develop long-term state funding recommendations, with an eye on any federal reforms that become law. Explore options to eliminate "diversions" from Fund 6 to non-transportation-related programs. (Joint with the House Committee on Appropriations)
Committee: Senate Finance
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim charge recommendations to the 82nd Legislature
Subjects: Affordable housing | Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | Border security | Business taxes | Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Disaster relief | Economic stabilization | Federal aid | Highway finance | Hospitals | Mineral rights | Nursing education | Prepaid tuition plans | Property tax exemptions | Property taxes | Rural health care | State budgets | Tax and expenditure limits | Tax appraisals | Tax incentives | Tax revenue | Tobacco taxes | Traffic | Transportation, Texas Department of | Tropical storms | University finance | University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 F49
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [158 pages  File size: 7,366 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review and make recommendations regarding existing and future public debt at all levels of government in Texas, including independent school districts, cities, other local governments and the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan.
2. Study the impact of recent hurricanes for which a federal disaster declaration was issued on local economies. Examine the basis for the distribution of federal dollars for hurricane cleanup across the state. Review past methods of distribution, including those involving the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Office of Rural Community Affairs. Develop policy and statutory recommendations to ensure that the system of distribution is effective to address needs of the various regions of the state in the event of future disasters. Provide effective budget oversight of state agencies that received appropriations as a result of hurricane damage. Examine the rebuilding of University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the collection and proper deposit of federal reimbursements.
3. Review the effect that Texas Business Tax credits, such as a research and development credit, have on economic development in Texas. Determine whether the costs of various tax credits would be adequately offset by the net increase in state sales tax and other revenues and jobs produced by each credit. Focus on businesses relocating to or from the State of Texas, the impact on the tax base, employment, and the overall economic condition of the state.
4. Identify and evaluate potential improvements to the property tax system. Consider and make recommendations relating to the following:
  • Methods to increase public participation in the tax rate-setting process and ensure fairness in appraisal protests and appeals;
  • Requirement that property appraisal values may not increase by more than inflation and/or population growth, or another amount to be determined by local taxing authorities, with a maximum cap of 10 percent;
  • Exemptions provided to community housing development organizations to determine if changes are needed to ensure that the public benefits outweigh the revenue loss;
  • Methods and procedures for determining a real property interest in oil or gas in place, as contained in Texas Tax Code Sec. 23.175, including how market-based data and market-based methodology could possibly be used to ensure fair, reliable, and equitable price forecasts of oil and gas interests. Analyze the need for the creation of an Oil and Gas Valuation Advisory Committee to assist in forecasting current calendar year statewide average prices for oil and gas; and
  • the constitutional constraints and fiscal implications of exempting real property, leased to a school, as defined by Section 11.21 of the Tax Code, from ad valorem taxation.
5. Examine the Texas Tomorrow Fund and its impact on institutions of higher education. Assess current and future costs, the ability of institutions to absorb the costs, and make recommendations for ensuring a sound fiscal approach to managing the fund for the future.
6. Study the impact of changing the constitutional and statutory spending limit based on the sum of the rate of population growth and the rate of inflation. Examine what past biennial spending limits would have been, and what the next biennium's limit might be, under a new definition. Consider the impact of exempting growth from federally mandated programs.
7. Study and make recommendations regarding formula funding and its impact on the cost of attendance and methods of financing higher education institutions, including funding differences for pharmacy and nursing programs; research funding; performance funding; and funding for institutions that face capacity student enrollment. Specifically address the following:
  • Methods of financing capital projects at higher education institutions, including the levels of deferred maintenance, the impact of deferred maintenance on the ability to offer basic instructional services, and the methods used to finance deferred maintenance projects. Recommend alternatives for providing a structured and recurring funding mechanism more suited to the state's fiscal capacity and institutional needs
  • Supplemental funding for structured programs that are essential for student success and for meeting the goals of Closing the Gaps, including those that provide concentrated student academic and personal support services for universities that enroll a high proportion of non-traditional or at-risk students. Study and make recommendations regarding the quality and effectiveness of academic advising, focusing on resources, staff development, and impact on time­ to-degree.
8. Review the capacity of rural hospitals, rural hospital infrastructure, and the statewide impact of services provided by rural hospitals. Make recommendations for funding options to help communities that do not have adequate resources to replace aging infrastructure and consider the creation ofa rural hospital infrastructure support program similar to the courthouse preservations fund.
9. Examine transportation funding concepts contained in legislation considered during the 81 st Legislature, Regular and Special Sessions. Analyze options and make recommendations relating to historical funding strategies, including prioritization of existing revenues, as well as alternative state and local transportation funding concepts. (Joint charge with Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee)
  • Ensure that the pass-through program reimbursements to contractors and local public entities are based on actual project costs and not cost estimates.
  • Prioritize necessary road construction projects and target financing to those segments that affect the largest number of Texans through congestion mitigation.
  • Ensure that Texas receives the best value for its investment. (Subcharges added pursuant to Dewhurst letter dated 4/8/2010.)
10. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Finance, 81 st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
  • The Legislative Budget Board effectiveness and efficiency review of Chapter 313, Tax Code. Consider whether tax provisions provide a net benefit to the state.
  • Monitor ongoing faculty recruitment and retention for Texas nursing schools, and assess the impact ofincreased state funds to nursing schools to increase faculty salaries and add new teaching schools.
  • Monitor the use of Byrne Grant Border security funds, including whether additional funds need to be spent on communications interoperability.
  • Monitor the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) implementation of SB 643, emergency legislation relating to Texas' state supported living centers (SSLCs), implementation of Special Provisions relating to All Health and Human Services Agencies, Section 48, Contingency Appropriation for the Reshaping of the System for Providing Services to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and implementation of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement terms.
  • Provide effective budget oversight of Texas Department of Transportation's implementation of Riders 55 and 56, appropriations from State Highway Fund No. 006 and Proposition 12 General Obligation Bonds for reducing congested road segments.
  • Monitor the revenue receipts associated with the weight-based tobacco tax.
  • Monitor the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas grant making process to ensure that funds are spent efficiently and effectively.
  • Monitor the expenditure of federal American Resource and Recovery Act funds. Review the extent to which federal stimulus funds affected each agency's ability to meet or surpass its Performance Measure Targets. Consider the effect that delays in federal approvals have had on funding for public education and weatherization programs.
Committee: Senate Transportation and Homeland Security
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security interim report to the 82nd Legislature.
Subjects: Air quality | Driver licenses | Driver Responsibility Program | Drug trafficking | Drug-related crimes | Emergency management | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Gangs | Highway finance | Homeland security | Metropolitan Planning Organizations | Motor vehicle pollution | Outsourcing | Regional mobility authorities | Semi-trailer trucks | Tax increment reinvestment zones | Toll roads | Traffic | Transportation | Transportation, Texas Department of | Tropical storms | Uninsured motorists |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 In5hs
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [56 pages  File size: 2,085 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Recommend ways to maximize the contribution of alternative transportation modes and evaluate what impacts they have on congestion and air quality. Identify statutory barriers to reducing transportation's impact on air quality and preventing any restrictions on or loss of federal funds due to air quality. Study the incidence of fraudulent automotive emissions certifications in the state and recommend changes in enforcement which will increase the effectiveness of state emissions regulation and assist in attainment of federal air quality standards.
2. Review and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's organizational structure and working relationship with local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Regional Tolling Authorities and Regional Mobility Authorities.
3. Recommend improvements to homeland security, including the state's infrastructure and housing recovery operations. Make recommendations for incorporating best practices and addressing any gaps in existing procedures, and disaster preparation and response, including volunteer involvement, evacuation and sheltering and trauma care, and communications interoperability.
4. Examine the public policy implications of Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDAs) and recommend whether they should be reauthorized to construct specific roadways.
5. Explore the policy implications of transportation reinvestment zones funded by state sales and use taxes as an alternative to public financing of transportation projects.
6. Examine transportation funding concepts contained in legislation considered during the 81st Legislature, Regular and Special Sessions. Analyze options and make recommendations relating to historical funding strategies including prioritization of existing revenues, as well as alternative state and local transportation funding concepts. (Joint charge with Senate Finance Committee)
  • Ensure that the pass-through program reimbursements to contractors and local public entities are based on actual project costs and not cost estimates.
  • Prioritize necessary road construction projects and target financing to those segments that affect the largest number of Texans through congestion mitigation.
  • Ensure that Texas receives the best value for its investment. (Subcharges added pursuant to Dewhurst letter dated 4/8/2010.)
7. Study and make recommendations to expedite the environmental review process for transportation projects.
8. Evaluate the Texas Department of Transportation's policy for permitting overweight vehicles and recommend ways to ensure overweight vehicles do not cause significant damage to the State's roadways and bridges. Examine the limited operation hours and staffing of highway weight stations across the state and consider whether expanded operations or other alternatives would improve compliance with weight restrictions.
9. Review the 100 most congested roadway segments and determine if alternative congestion relief modes have been identified to relieve segments in areas where the addition of lanes is not possible. For example, review whether TxDOT and MPOs consider instituting park & rides and encouraging employee flex times to relieve congested roadway segments.
10. Evaluate outsourcing at the Texas Department of Transportation, including, but not limited to, engineering services and aerial mapping.
11. Review the possible increase in number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers resulting from license suspensions or indigence resulting drivers' inability to pay Driver Responsibility surcharges in light of new Department of Public Safety rules.
12. Study and make recommendations for legislation to inform Texans about best practices for hurricane preparation, response, and recovery, including information about basic state operations and pre-designated locations for PODs (Points of Distribution) across the state. Establish procedures and penalties for noncompliance by local jurisdictions that hinder response and recovery efforts.
13. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
  • Monitor the implementation of gang-related legislation passed during the 81 st Legislature and its impact on drug cartel-related transnational gangs and crime in Texas.
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Select
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Transportation Funding, Select, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2010 : a report to the House of Representatives, 82nd Texas Legislature
Subjects: Highway finance | Transportation planning |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 T687f
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [27 pages  File size: 1,386 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. The committee shall study and make recommendations regarding transportation funding needs for the State of Texas. As part of its work, the committee shall:
(1) focus on the need for increased transparency and accountability in all facets of transportation planning, development, and implementation;
(2) review the current funding options being utilized to determine their effectiveness at meeting future funding demands;
(3) analyze the amount of funding needed to meet future transportation infrastructure and maintenance needs;
(4) assess the dollars per mile spent in construction (considering the state's varying geographic, environmental, and climate conditions) to determine whether our state is making efficient use of current transportation funding resources;
(5) explore innovative approaches to encourage local government entities to participate in the development of critically needed transportation projects; and
(6) consider the feasibility of using alternative funding options at the state and local levels to meet the expected growth and demand for transportation infrastructure, rail relocation, and high speed rail.
Committee: Senate Finance
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report
Subjects: Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Employers | Financial investments | Frew lawsuits | Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Health insurance | Health insurance premium subsidies | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Highway finance | Investment of public funds | Iran | Medicaid | Medical reimbursements | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | Permanent School Fund | Permanent University Fund | State agency budgets | State government debt | State Health Services, Texas Department of | State supported living centers | Sudan | Tax incentives | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Texas Southern University | Transportation, Texas Department of | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 F49
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [46 pages  File size: 698 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Provide effective budget oversight of state agencies to ensure that monies appropriated are spent wisely. Particular areas of focus will include the Texas Department of Transportation, Department of State Health Services coordination of Mental Health Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department revitalization of State Parks, Health and Human Services Commission management of Frew settlement agreement and waiting list slots, Department of Aging and Disability Services improvement of State Schools, Texas Department of Criminal Justice roll out of treatment programs and review of the salary career ladder for employees for retention purposes, Texas Youth Commission achievement of reform, Texas Southern University rehabilitation, Higher Education Coordinating Board implementation of incentive programs and the creation of the Texas Cancer Research and Prevention Institute.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing state tax incentives that encourage employers to provide health coverage to their employees, including tax incentives under the revised state business tax, and make recommendations for additional deductions or credits that increase the number of employees covered by health care insurance.
3. Study the feasibility and the advisability of establishing an investment policy that is consistent across all state trust funds, including the trust funds of the Employees Retirement System, the Teachers Retirement System, the Permanent University Fund, and the Permanent School Fund. Identify best investment policies for state trust funds. Examine recent portfolio diversification strategies and the effect they have on long-term fund performance. The recommendations should consider what is an acceptable rate of return, an acceptable degree of risk, the appropriateness of certain investments. (Joint charge with Senate State Affairs Committee)
4. Review Medicaid provider reimbursement rate methodologies, including the impact of factors such as infrastructure concerns, federal minimum wage changes, and cost reports. Study the impact on access to care, quality of care, and value, and make recommendations for legislative changes, taking into account rate increases contained in the current budget. (Joint charge with Senate Health and Human Services Committee)
5. Study and review state and local options for expanding transportation funding and explore options to reduce diversions of Fund 6 revenue. (Joint charge with Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security)
6. Study and make recommendations relating to whether the Texas Department of Transportation is in compliance with Transportation Code §201.109, Revenue Enhancement, and whether the Texas Department of Transportation is using the funding sources provided by the Legislature, including, but not limited to, General Obligation, Fund 6 and Mobility Fund bonds, to build new roads. (Joint charge with Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security)
7. Monitor and provide a brief update on the implementation of legislation addressed by the Finance Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve or enhance and complete implementation.
  • SB 247, 80th R.S., relating to Sudan divestment, and make recommendations about whether to include Iran in the divestment strategy;
  • SB1332, 80th R.S., to help improve the state's debt management and oversight, including a more comprehensive review of state debt and improved communication between entities and oversight of state bond issuance;
  • SB 10, 80th R.S., and the Frew settlement to ensure that the initiatives carried out by the Health and Human Services Commission affect meaningful improvement in access to quality care in the Texas Medicaid program; and
  • HB 3732, 80th R.S., relating to ultra-clean coal technologies, and determine the amount of property tax removed from the tax rolls, as well as the corresponding impact on school finance. Identify any changes needed to strengthen the program and ensure its success.
Committee: Senate Transportation and Homeland Security
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 81st Legislature
Subjects: Advertising | Billboards | Border security | Bridges | Buses | Crime laboratories | Dedicated funds | Driver licenses | Driver Responsibility Program | Drug trafficking | Emergency management | Enhanced driver licenses | Gangs | Highway finance | Homeland security | Human trafficking | Metropolitan Planning Organizations | Privatization | Real ID Act | State agencies | State government contracts | Toll roads | Trans-Texas Corridor | Transportation | Transportation, Texas Department of | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 In5hs
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [109 pages  File size: 797 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Evaluate the state's homeland security efforts and the state's recent $140 million investment in law enforcement to help secure the border and study and make recommendations to deter transnational and drug-related gang violence and crime, including the use of injunctions and any possible improvements to Chapter 125 of the Civil Practices and Remedies Code, relating to membership in street gangs.
2. Study and make recommendations for the creation of a tamper-proof driver's license or photo ID that complies with the federal Real ID Act, including the implementation of the Secure Enhanced Drivers' License Program (SB 11, 80th R.S.), by the Department of Pubic Safety and issue recommendations for improving and expanding the pilot program.
3. Examine the roles and best practices among individuals, state and local governments, hospitals and other health care providers, and the insurance industry for disaster planning and first response efforts. Explore what changes are needed to better prepare for natural disasters to mitigate claims and losses. Include an assessment of the state's implementation of recent recommendations for evacuations, including movement of medically fragile populations. Study the level of preparedness among critical infrastructure entities in both the public and private sector, the effectiveness of state disaster relief policies relating to this infrastructure and the sufficiency of personnel needed to restore this infrastructure. Assess the state's preparedness to handle a public health emergency. Examine the challenges of interoperability of communications technologies to improve coordination of different plans across jurisdictions
4. Study and make recommendations regarding state and local regulation of billboards. Produce a graphical analysis of current billboards, evaluate objective criteria for locations where billboards can be permitted or prohibited, including but not limited to geographical (corridor or urban/rural), land usage (e.g. industrial), or cultural/historical criteria, and include consideration of the impact on any federal funding.
5. Study and make recommendations for improving management and oversight of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Include a review of populations served, MPO governance, oversight, roles, variation among MPOs, and MPO decision-making ability in relation to TxDOT or other agencies.
6. Study Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDAs) and make recommendations to ensure the maximum benefit to taxpayers. Study the implications of requiring CDAs to have definitive buyback formulas that can be calculated without using any form of future revenue forecasts. Study requiring potential CDA projects to be solicited only after environmental clearance has been granted. Study the implications of shortening CDA's maximum allowable contract duration. Study provisions affecting competing facilities.
7. Review the status of structurally deficient bridges and provide increased oversight of TxDOT's bridge repair activities to ensure that any unsafe bridges are identified and repaired as soon as possible.
8. Study and make recommendations relating to the status of current and planned toll road projects in Texas, the use of public-private partnerships to build new roads and/or transit services, and the market valuation process. Analyze the impact of lengthening the number of years a toll road authority may issue bonds.
9. Study the effectiveness of the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) and make recommendations for its future role in providing additional roads in Texas. Provide specific recommendations relating to public input in the development of the TTC.
10. Study the impact of prohibitions in Section 2301.476 (Manufacturer or Distributor Ownership, Operation, or Control of Dealership), Occupations Code, on the sale of buses in Texas and make recommendations. Gather information and monitor the methods of sale of buses in other states and the dealership network, if any. Evaluate the need and possible benefits or detriments caused to public and private sector in application of this law and rule to the bus industry.
11. Study the issue and amount of state agency expenditures on media activities and the legal authority for such expenditures. Develop recommendations for guidelines to ensure appropriate use of state funds to provide legitimate public education.
12. Monitor urban crime laboratories and their compliance with state laws regulating their functions and make recommendations to restore public trust in their functions and to ensure full compliance with federal Homeland Security reporting requirements. Specifically, review the report issued by the Independent Investigator for the Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory and Property Room, the independent panel review of certain criminal convictions prompted by the conclusions of this report, and the implementation by the City of Houston of any reforms recommended in this report.
13. Study and review state and local options for expanding transportation funding and explore options to reduce diversions of Fund 6 revenue.(Joint charge with Senate Finance Committee)
14. Study and make recommendations relating to whether the Texas Department of Transportation is in compliance with Transportation Code §201.109, Revenue Enhancement, and whether the Texas Department of Transportation is using the funding sources provided by the Legislature, including, but not limited to, General Obligation, Fund 6 and Mobility Fund bonds, to build new roads. (Joint charge with Senate Finance Committee)
15. Study and make recommendations to stem the tide of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, and to reduce the criminal activities within the Border region. (Joint charge with Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade)
16. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Transportation & Homeland Security Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, report on implementation of SB 792, 80th R.S., and SB 1723, 80th R.S., to improve the overall collection rate and compliance rate with the Driver Responsibility Program.
Committee: Senate Transportation and Homeland Security
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 80th Legislature
Subjects: Animal diseases | Border crossings | Border issues | Child car seats | County courthouses | Driver licenses | Driving while intoxicated | Emergency management | Federal funds | Highway finance | Highway rest areas | Highways | Historic preservation | Homeland security | Official designations | Operation Linebacker | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Railroad crossings | Railroads | Real ID Act | Rights of way | Safe Routes to School Program | Semi-trailer trucks | Traffic safety | Transportation Enhancement Program | Transportation planning | Truck inspection stations | Underground utility lines | Undocumented immigrants | USA Patriot Act | Wright Amendment |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 In5hs
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [294 pages  File size: 21,985 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations for updating the state's overweight truck fees. Include an analysis and recommendations relating to the distribution of fees collected.
2. Monitor the impact of federal actions regarding the Patriot Act on homeland security activities in Texas. Make recommendations for statutory changes required to implement federal legislation and improve the efficiency of the process.
3. Study the implementation of SB 9, 79th R.S., relating to homeland security, and make recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. Focus on implementation of provisions relating to mutual aid, including the need for a statewide compact, agricultural inspection stations, the health alert network, radio and computer interoperability and the protection of drinking water and of vital infrastructure. Assess the feasibility of establishing and operating a statewide public building mapping information system for state-owned buildings.
4. Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's ability to build, maintain, and relocate rail facilities. Monitor and report on the Departments ability to efficiently contract and provide funding for rail facility construction.
5. Evaluate and make recommendations relating to the naming of state highways and the criteria which should be followed in order to name a highway after a natural person. Include an analysis of criteria used in other states.
6. Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's programs designed to increase safety on all state transportation facilities.
7. Monitor ongoing federal, state and local efforts along the Texas Mexico border to combat criminal activity and prevent illegal border crossings. Study other border state activities in regard to the safety, efficiency and security of border crossings. Include an assessment of the impact of security measures on trade and vehicular and pedestrian commerce.
8. Study and make recommendations relating to the relocation of utilities from state owned right-of-way, including an assessment of the costs of relocations, possible funding sources and methods to decrease delays associated with relocation. Joint Charge with Senate Business & Commerce Committee.
9. Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission allocates funds to the districts through the Allocation Program. Include a description of all scoring mechanisms used in making allocations of resources and make recommendations for maximizing the use of these funds to meet Legislative objectives. Joint Charges with Senate Finance Committee.
10. Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission determines which federal funding sources should be implemented to comply with funding reductions mandated by Congress. Assess the Commission's options for determining how projects that were to be funded out of these reduced revenue sources will be funded this biennium. Joint Charges with Senate Finance Committee.
Committee: Senate Infrastructure Development and Security
Title: Interim Report - Transportation
Library Catalog Title: Senate Committee on Infrastructure Development and Security report to the 79th Legislature : transportation.
Subjects: Driver Responsibility Program | Emergency medical services | Federal funds | Highway construction | Highway finance | Highway planning | Motor fuels taxes | Motor vehicle insurance | Regional mobility authorities | Texas Mobility Fund | Toll roads | Traffic violations | Trans-Texas Corridor | Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century | Transportation planning |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 In5t
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [74 pages  File size: 708 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the implementation and make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of HB 3588, 78th R.S., relating to the construction, acquisition, financing, maintenance, management, operation, ownership, and control of transportation facilities including, but not limited to, multimodal transportation and the progress, improvement, policing, and safety of transportation in Texas. Monitor and report on the adequacy and use of the trauma care funds generated as a result of the legislation and make recommendations for improving the funding of trauma care services.
2. Study the proof of financial responsibility verification program administered by Texas Department of Insurance and the Department of Public Safety and make recommendations for improving compliance by drivers in Texas.
3. Study and make recommendations for innovative approaches to highway construction and maintenance. Focus on recommendations for streamlining Texas Department of Transportation operations, including methods of expediting permitting procedures while maintaining environmental safeguards. Examine and make recommendations for regional options for increasing financing, including, but not limited to, the creation of a local option motor fuels tax.
4. Evaluate and make recommendations relating to funding allocations for TransTexas Corridor projects. Monitor and report on the status of the projects, including their impact on local, regional, and state transportation.
5. Study the federal re-authorization of TEA-21. Analyze and make recommendations relating to the impact of re-authorization on transportation in Texas, including an assessment of state plans and programs for implementing any required changes.
Committee: Senate State Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 78th Legislature / Senate Committee on State Affairs.
Subjects: Federal funds | Federal government | Highway finance | Highway planning | Rights of way | Semi-trailer trucks | Transportation | Transportation Commission, Texas | Transportation infrastructure | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 st29a
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [197 pages  File size: 4,128 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Actively monitor the Texas Department of Transportation's update of the Texas Transportation Plan. The Committee shall assess the plan in terms of how it addresses relevant issues such as transportation funding, traffic congestion, multimodal transportation, rural transportation planning, NAFTA-related traffic, and establishment of acceptable levels of service for mobility. The Committee may make recommendations to improve upon planning procedures used by the Texas Department of Transportation as well as statutory changes necessary to facilitate implementation of the Texas Transportation Plan. The Committee may also recommend solutions to the state's transportation funding shortfall.
2. Monitor developments at the federal level relating to the re-authorization of TEA-21 and the creation of new innovative transportation financing techniques.
3. Evaluate developments related to the commercial trucking industry. This study should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: an evaluation of the state's ongoing efforts to enforce truck safety regulations efficiently and fairly; developments at the state and federal levels related to opening our highways to Mexican truck traffic; and the effect of heavy truck traffic on our state and local roadways.
4. Review the recently proposed TxDOT [Texas Department of Transportation] Access Management Rules and the associated draft Access Management Manual.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Transportation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Air quality | Air transportation | Competitive bidding | Design/build process | Emissions | Highway finance | Homeland security | North American Free Trade Agreement | Semi-trailer trucks | State government contracts | Terrorism | Texas Mobility Fund | Traffic | Truck inspection stations |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 t687
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [78 pages  File size: 2,628 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study long-term financing options for mobility in Texas. Consider the most efficient and productive ways to fund the mobility fund, contingent upon its approval by the voters. Otherwise, consider additional options for long-term highway funding. Assess the effects of low-bid versus design-build contracting methods. Consider adoption of a level of service for mobility in Texas.
2. Review and consider all issues related to truck transportation at the international border, including (a) the security and efficiency at check points, (b) truck safety, including compliance with weight regulations, and (c) the continuing impact of NAFTA, including commercial vehicle inspections.
3. Gather information about the security of general aviation, rail and truck transportation, and Texas seaports. Review government regulations and business practices to determine whether legislation is needed to protect life and property and to detect, interdict and respond to acts of terrorism.
4. Study the need for general aviation facilities and identify potential resources that could be used to support additional facilities.
5. Consider opportunities to mitigate air quality problems in non-attainment areas by corridors or special routing of long-haul traffic, including interstate or NAFTA-related traffic.
6. Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Border Affairs, Special
Title: Interim Report - Transportation
Library Catalog Title: Transportation interim report : Texas border transportation infrastructure and Senate Bill 913.
Subjects: Border economy | Border transit corridors | Border transportation | GARVEE bonds | Highway finance | Job training programs | North American Free Trade Agreement | Transportation, Texas Department of | Workforce |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 b644t
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [90 pages  File size: 847 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Assess the long-term intermodal transportation needs of the Texas-Mexico Border Region to facilitate regional economic development, international trade and safety. The Committee shall address all modes of transportation, including highways, farm-to-market roads, turnpikes, mass transit, aviation, railroads and water traffic. The Committee shall also evaluate the planning and capacity resources of the three Texas Department of Transportation border districts and make recommendations, including alternative financing mechanisms, to expedite the flow of NAFTA-related commercial vehicle traffic. The Committee shall consult and coordinate with the Senate Committee on State Affairs in developing recommendations concerning transportation linkages between the Border Region and statewide, national and international markets. Final preparation of transportation recommendations shall be the responsibility of the State Affairs Committee.
2. Develop economic development strategies for the Border Region to increase economic opportunity and the earning capacity of its residents through higher wage jobs. The strategies should assess the Region's post-NAFTA workforce training needs, as well as identify potential emerging industry clusters in the Border Region and the workforce requirements to support those industry clusters.
Committee: Senate State Affairs
Title: Charge 1 Intermodal transportation
Library Catalog Title: Senate Committee on State Affairs report to the 77th Legislature : charge 1, intermodal transportation.
Subjects: GARVEE bonds | Highway finance | Motor fuels taxes | North American Free Trade Agreement | Railroads | Toll roads | Transportation | Transportation bonds | Transportation infrastructure | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 st29a 1
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [99 pages  File size: 1,593 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Evaluate the state's intermodal transportation planning efforts with an emphasis on NAFTA-related trade corridors and their impact on both metropolitan and rural areas of the state. The Committee shall address all modes of transportation including highways, farm-to-market roads, turnpikes, mass transit, aviation, railroads and water traffic. The Committee shall determine whether the state is maximizing federal funding levels, and evaluate alternative and innovative methods of transportation funding and develop recommendations for their use. The Committee shall coordinate study of this issue with the Special Committee on Border Affairs. The final preparation of the report will be the responsibility of the State Affairs Committee.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Transportation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2000 : a report to the House of Representatives, 77th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Border transit corridors | Bridges | County roads | Driver licenses | Farm-to-market roads | Federal funds | GARVEE bonds | Graduated driver licenses | Highway finance | Highways - safety | Motor fuels taxes | North American Free Trade Agreement | Semi-trailer trucks | Speed limits | Teenage drivers | Toll roads | Traffic fatalities | Transportation bonds | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 t687
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [58 pages  File size: 2,220 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study ways the state and counties can ensure a safe, adequately funded county road and bridge system consistent with encouraging commerce and economic growth.
2. Study the advantages and disadvantages of a graduated driver's license program, including the experience of states that have recently enacted such programs.
3. Examine highway funding issues in light of the combined impact of rapid transportation growth and increased NAFTA traffic. Monitor state and federal developments related to funding and planning of NAFTA corridors.
4. Conduct active oversight of the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction, including effects of legislation increasing speed limits.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Transportation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Bridges | County roads | Highway finance | License plates | Motor vehicle records | Motor vehicle registration | North American Free Trade Agreement | Semi-trailer trucks | Speed limits | Traffic | Traffic safety | Truck traffic |
Library Call Number: L1836.75 t687
Session: 75th R.S. (1997)
Online version: View report [199 pages  File size: 9,587 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review all issues related to speed limits and highway safety.
2. Study the system for funding county reads and bridges. Assess its adequacy and any measures that would improve the system.
3. Review the process for creating and issuing special license plates. Assess the benefits and disadvantages of a proliferation of special plates.
4. Study the effects of oversize and overweight trucks on roads and bridges, including the impact of NAFTA-related traffic.
5. Examine the implementation of HB 2151, 74th R.S., and HB 2599, 74th R.S., relating to the licensing of salvage vehicle dealers and to salvage vehicle titling procedures. Review federal legislation that may impact state laws relating to salvage vehicles. (Joint with the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures)
6. Conduct active oversight of agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction, including the implementation of SB 370, 75th R.S., and monitor issues affecting state highway funding.
Committee: Senate Transportation, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Texas Senate Interim Committee on Transportation : a report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects: Capital Metro | Dallas Area Rapid Transit | Highway finance | Mass transit | Metropolitan Transit Authority | Railroad crossings | Traffic | Transportation, Texas Department of | VIA Metropolitan Transit |
Library Call Number: L1836.75 t685
Session: 75th R.S. (1997)
Online version: View report [91 pages  File size: 8,156 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review and make any necessary recommendations on whether current methods of financing transportation projects allow the state to respond adequately to increases in population and congestion, including review of systems used in other states.
2. Identify viable, alternative modes of transportation to ease highway and local road congestion and evaluate whether the state adequately promotes alternative modes of transportation.
3. Study and determine if legislative action is needed on current funding mechanisms for metropolitan transit authorities and examine whether needed services are being provided in a cost-effective manner.
4. Study the incidence of railroad related accidents and fatalities in Texas and determine whether legislative or administrative action should be pursued.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Transportation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1996 : a report to the House of Representatives, 75th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Air transportation | Bridges | County roads | Eminent domain | Farm-to-market roads | Highway construction | Highway finance | Property rights | Rights of way | Semi-trailer trucks | Toll roads | Transportation bonds | Transportation, Texas Department of | Truck traffic |
Library Call Number: L1836.74 t687
Session: 74th R.S. (1995)
Online version: View report [31 pages  File size: 1,615 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study alternative financing of the state's highway system.
2. Study ways to establish a dedicated funding source for general aviation development needs.
3. Study the effect of "Schmidt Factors" and "Westgate Laws" on right-of-way acquisitions and public works projects.
4. Study the effect of heavy trucks on highways and county roads, including a look a current laws and the ratio between consumptive use of the system and fees paid by users.
Committee: Senate Rural Transportation Infrastructure, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Senate Interim Committee on Rural Transportation Infrastructure interim report 1994 : a report to the Texas Senate, 74th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Bridges | Farm-to-market roads | Highway finance | Rural areas | Rural issues | Transportation infrastructure |
Library Call Number: L1836.73 r88
Session: 73rd R.S. (1993)
Online version: View report [94 pages  File size: 3,943 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. To study and make recommendations regarding rural transportation infrastructure system in the state, with emphasis on safety and maintenance of existing farm-to-market roads and substandard bridges located in rural areas.
2. Study the current method of allocating funding for farm-to-market roads and substandard bridges located in rural areas to determine the best method of allocating state resources for these transportation projects.
3. Study and make recommendations regarding the distribution and source of funding for rural transportation infrastructure projects.
4. Review and evaluate methods for determining the needs of counties in constructing new farm-to-market roads and bridges.
5. Study and make recommendations regarding any additions or other changes that the Committee determines should be made to the Texas Constitution and statutory law that would improve rural transportation infrastructure and provide an equitable system for funding rural transportation infrastructure, including farm to market roads and substandard bridges located in rural areas.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Committee on Transportation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Eminent domain | Federal funds | Federal government | Hazardous spills | Hazardous substances | Highway finance | Property rights | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Railroad Commission of Texas | Rights of way | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.72 t687
Session: 72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version: View report [106 pages  File size: 4,305 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor and oversee legislation enacted during the 72nd Regular and Special Called Sessions that was considered by the Committee on Transportation; Performance Audit Review Recommendations; and any agency-initiated changes.
2. Monitor activities of the Traffic Law Enforcement section of the Department of Public Safety and the Transportation Division of the Texas Railroad Commission.
3. Examine the transportation of hazardous materials in the state, with an emphasis on federal directives to the state.
4. Consider the effects on Texas of the federal transportation legislation, including the Federal Highway Reauthorization Act.
5. Examine the issues of condemnation as it affects transportation.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Administration of the Texas Public Transportation Fund : interim study report / Transportation Committee, Texas House of Representatives, 68th session.
Subjects: Highway finance | Transportation |
Library Call Number: L1836.68 t687
Session: 68th R.S. (1983)
Online version: View report [35 pages  File size: 1,123 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. To review the administration of the public Transportation Fund, including an analysis of the use of the fund by urban and rural areas of the state; the status of projects approved by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation; the accounting of the fund by the Department, the Legislative Budget Board, and the State Comptroller; and the management of the fund by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 67th Legislature / Transportation Committee, House of Representatives ; 66th interim study report.
Subjects: Air transportation | Highway construction | Highway finance | Litter | Mass transit | Railroad crossings | Semi-trailer trucks | Traffic safety |
Library Call Number: L1836.66 t687
Session: 66th R.S. (1979)
Online version: View report [224 pages  File size: 10,203 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Oversight functions shall be conducted for all appropriations-related actions of those agencies assigned to this committee for appropriative purposes during the 66th Regular Session of the Legislature. Procedures suggested for this purpose during the last interim are recommended. The agencies include: Civil Air Patrol Commission; Texas Railroad Commission (partial); Department of Public Safety (partial - Traffic Law Enforcement Division); Department of Highways and Public Transportation; Texas Aeronautics Commission; Texas Motor Vehicle Commission; Texas Transportation Institute.
2. Examine the present uses of the State Highway and Public Transportation Commission's Public Mass Transit Fund and explore incentives that will encourage cities to develop systems and programs through the use of these monies.
3. Evaluate the design plan for implementing the State Airport Development Fund administered by the Texas Aeronautics Commission.
4. Review the administration of highway contract construction funds and suggest ways to expedite utilization of these funds.
5. Determine the extent to which the economy and public safety of Texas citizens are affected by litter and spills from trucks and other motor vehicles operating on Texas highways.
6. Study the railroad crossing situation in Texas to determine the jurisdiction over railroad crossing safety.
7. Study the merits and demerits of deregulation of the trucking industry in terms of both interstate and intrastate implications.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Transportation
Title: List of subcommittees
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1801.9 T687 66
Session: 66th R.S. (1979)
Online version: View document [1 pages]
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Public Mass Transit Fund Study Report
Library Catalog Title: Public Mass Transit Fund Study Report / Texas House Committee on Transportation.
Library Call Number: L1836.66 t687pm
Session: 66th R.S. (1979)
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Transportation in Texas : where are we going? ; Interim report of the House Transportation Committee to the 64th Legislature.
Subjects: Air transportation | Electric utilities | Highway finance | Mass transit | Telephone service | Transportation |
Library Call Number: L1836.63 t687
Session: 63rd R.S. (1973)
Online version: View report [46 pages  File size: 2,616 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study current issues related to public transportation, inter-city travel, aviation, highway planning and finance, and utility regulation. *
Supporting documents
Committee: House Transportation
Title: A legal brief on state regulation of intrastate air transportation
Library Catalog Title: A legal brief on state regulation of intrastate air transportation / prepared for the Subcommittee on Intrastate Air Systems.
Library Call Number: L1836.63 t687sa
Session: 63rd R.S. (1973)
Committee: House Transportation
Title: A statement made before a joint meeting of the Sentate Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on Mass Transit and the House Committee on Transportation
Library Catalog Title: Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on Mass Transit and the House Committee on Transportation / by R.W. Holder concerning intercity passenger travel.
Library Call Number: L1836.63 t687i
Session: 63rd R.S. (1973)
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Report to the Texas House of Representatives on telephone utility regulation
Library Catalog Title: Report to the Texas House of Representatives on telephone utility regulation / prepared at the request of the Chairman of the Transportation Committee [by] Jane Anne Hart.
Library Call Number: L1836.63 t236
Session: 63rd R.S. (1973)
Online version: View document [0 pages]

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