Texas Senate Bill SB2129

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to disposition of motor vehicle registration fees collected by a county assessor-collector.

Impact

If enacted, SB2129 would have a significant impact on how county funds are allocated for road maintenance and infrastructure improvements. Increasing the amount credited to the county road and bridge fund annually ensures that counties, particularly those with extensive road networks, have greater financial resources to manage transportation infrastructure effectively. This could potentially improve road conditions and enhance public safety by ensuring that local governments can address maintenance needs more efficiently.

Summary

SB2129 aims to amend the Transportation Code related to the disposition of motor vehicle registration fees collected by county assessor-collectors in Texas. The bill modifies the amount credited to the county road and bridge fund on a weekly basis, specifically adjusting the thresholds for counties based on their maintained road mileage. The bill proposes increasing the annual threshold from $60,000 to $200,000 and the per-mile credit from $350 to $600 for the first few miles. These changes are intended to provide counties with more funding to support local road maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2129 may relate to the distribution of funds and the potential fiscal impacts on the state highway fund. The changes in fee collection rates could draw criticism from various stakeholders, including those concerned about state funding obligations and the distribution equity among counties. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the ability of smaller counties to manage the increased funds effectively and whether the amendments offer a fair solution to the varying needs of different regions across Texas.