HBA-DMH S.J.R. 12 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.J.R. 12 By: Shapiro Transportation 4/19/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, the state constitution prevents the state from contributing a portion of the cost of a toll project without repayment. Many toll projects are not built because the projects fail to generate enough revenue to pay for associated costs. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), acting on behalf of the state, cannot fund needed projects in a timely manner because necessary funding is not available. As proposed, Senate Joint Resolution 12 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment authorizing TxDOT to expend, grant, or loan money for turnpikes, toll roads, and toll bridges. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this resolution does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS Senate Joint Resolution 12 amends the Texas Constitution to provide that the legislature may authorize the Texas Department of Transportation to expend, grant, or loan money, from any source available, for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or operation of turnpikes, toll roads, and toll bridges. FOR ELECTION This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2001.