Texas Senate Bill SB1909

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the use of money in the state highway fund for toll projects.

Impact

The bill amends existing sections of the Transportation Code, indicating a significant shift in how Texas manages its highway funding. By securing the state highway fund for projects that do not involve toll collections, SB1909 aims to foster equitable access to transport infrastructure. The amendments suggest a commitment toward enhancing the public road system by ensuring that revenue from taxes and vehicle registrations is utilized explicitly for non-toll road improvements. This move may also reflect an increasing concern among legislators about the growing reliance on toll roads and their impact on public access.

Summary

SB1909 aims to regulate the funding of toll projects in Texas by clarifying the use of money from the state highway fund. It specifically prohibits the appropriation of funds from the state highway fund to construct, maintain, or acquire rights-of-way for toll projects. This legislation seeks to ensure that funds meant for public roads are not diverted towards projects that impose tolls on users, promoting a more public-accessible transportation system. Thus, it delineates the financial boundaries around toll road constructions versus public roadway improvements.

Contention

Notably, there are potential points of contention emerging from this bill. Proponents may argue that restricting toll projects aligns better with the public interest by ensuring that all road users can access transportation networks without incurring additional costs. However, opponents might contend that this limitation could hamper the development of necessary infrastructure improvements funded through tolls, especially in regions where alternative funding sources are scarce. Additionally, the bill could lead to discussions about the balance between privatization of road projects and the public responsibility of maintaining a robust transportation network.