Texas House Bill HB1117

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the cessation of tolls by toll project entities in certain circumstances.

Impact

The bill has several implications for state laws governing transportation finance and local infrastructure. It creates a mechanism for toll projects to transition into public assets when they no longer require toll revenue to operate. This could potentially increase accessibility for users of previously tolled roads as they transition into state-maintained routes. It promotes a restructuring in the financial management of toll projects, wherein the revenues from one project cannot be used to support another, fostering sound financial practices within transportation funding in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1117 aims to establish regulations regarding the cessation of tolls by toll project entities in specific circumstances. The bill modifies the Transportation Code to outline when tolls may be stopped on toll projects once all costs related to bond payments are settled. Specifically, the bill stipulates that once the expenses for acquisition and construction of a toll project have been paid off, and if all related bond obligations are met or adequately reserved, the toll project should no longer charge tolls. This change proposes a more definitive transition for toll roads into the state highway system or local road systems, depending on the conditions outlined in the bill.

Contention

Notably, the discussions surrounding HB 1117 indicate concerns about the impact on local governance and project financing. Critics may argue that the bill could limit funds available for maintaining other local projects since it specifies that toll revenues cannot be cross-utilized. Additionally, there may be apprehensions from local governing bodies on how the transition of toll highways into public highways would affect their own budgets and responsibilities for maintenance and operation of these newly integrated roads.