HBA-MPA H.B. 1918 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1918 By: Oliveira Transportation 3/22/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, no state plan exists which incorporates all facets of transportation: airlines, maritime, shipping, rail, and highways. Bordering the Future, a report published in July 1998 by the comptroller's office, recommended the creation of a State Transportation Council to develop such a plan to improve transportation facilities for the benefit of the state's economy. H.B. 1918 creates the State Transportation Council to develop a statewide multi-modal transportation plan. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. DEFINITION. Defines "border region." SECTION 2. STATE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL. Creates the State Transportation Council(council) to develop a comprehensive multi-modal transportation plan to promote and facilitate economic development in this state. Provides that the council is composed of seven members with one to be a representative of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and one a resident of the border region. SECTION 3. PRESIDING OFFICER. Requires the governor to designate a presiding officer of the council from among the members. SECTION 4. MEETINGS. Requires the council to meet at least quarterly at the call of the presiding officer. SECTION 5. COMPENSATION. Provides that a member of the council is not entitled to compensation for serving as a member but is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while conducting the council's business. SECTION 6. STAFF. Requires TxDOT to provide staff support to the council as necessary. SECTION 7. TRANSPORTATION PLAN. Requires the council, in developing a comprehensive multi-modal transportation plan, to: (1) consult with representatives of airlines, maritime, shipping, and railroad industries in this state; (2) discuss issues and seek assistance from staff of TxDOT, the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, and any other transportation bodies in the state; (3) develop recommendations concerning transportation linkages between statewide transportation facilities and national and international markets; (4) develop recommendations concerning transportation linkages between rural communities, the border region and national and international markets; (5) develop strategies to make the state's Gulf Coast ports the ports of choice in the United States; (6) develop a strategy to eliminate congestion at international border crossings in this state; (7) address and recommend means to facilitate access to ports located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico; and (8) address funding for the plan. SECTION 8. COMPLETION AND SUBMISSION OF PLAN. Requires the council to complete the plan no later than January 1, 2001, and submit the plan to the governor and the legislature. SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. Provides that this Act takes effect September 1, 1999. SECTION 10. EXPIRATION DATE. Provides that this Act expires and the State Transportation Council is abolished September 1, 2001. SECTION 11. EMERGENCY. Emergency clause.