HBA-NLM S.B. 1677 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1677 By: Bernsen Transportation 5/17/1999 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to accept payment by credit card for services is limited. Payment by credit card has become a common and acceptable form of payment for many services. S.B. 1677 authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt rules regarding the method of fee payment for certain goods, services, and programs provided by TxDOT. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking authority is expressly delegated to the Texas Transportation Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 201.208, Transportation Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.208, as follows: Sec. 201.208. PAYMENT OF FEES FOR DEPARTMENT GOODS AND SERVICES. Authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt rules regarding the method of payment of a fee for certain goods sold or services provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or for the administration of any TxDOT program. Specifies that the rules may authorize the use of electronic funds transfer or a valid credit card, and require the payment of a discount or service charge for a credit card payment in addition to the fee. Requires revenue generated from payments of such discount or service charges to be deposited in the state highway fund. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective upon passage.