Texas House Bill HB2781

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the cessation of tolls on state highway segments in certain counties.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would impact transportation policy within Texas by allowing local governments greater control over toll-related decisions that affect public safety. The bill represents a shift towards recognizing the unique challenges faced by smaller counties and aims to enhance their ability to act in the best interest of their residents. By permitting local resolutions to influence toll policies, the bill intends to foster a more responsive and responsible approach to highway management in less populated areas.

Summary

House Bill 2781 focuses on the cessation of tolls on specific segments of state highways located in counties with a population of less than 75,000. The bill allows such counties to request the removal of tolls by adopting a resolution that states the imposition of tolls has created a safety hazard on another state highway within the county. This legislative measure is aimed at ensuring that tolls do not impact the safety of state highways adversely, especially in smaller communities that may rely heavily on these routes for transportation.

Contention

The introduction of HB 2781 might lead to debates around the equity of toll systems in urban versus rural areas, as larger urban populations typically have more extensive transportation infrastructures that may not require cessation of tolls. Critics may argue that focusing solely on population size disregards the complexities of transportation safety and infrastructure funding. Furthermore, discussions may arise about whether the bill could set a precedent for other regulatory changes concerning toll management and local government's role in such decisions.