Relating to the authority and powers of regional mobility authorities.
Impact
The adjustments made by HB 2990 significantly affect local and state transportation governance. By enabling regional mobility authorities to collect taxes and issue bonds more liberally, the bill is designed to facilitate funding for new projects and improvements of existing infrastructure. It also paves the way for private sector involvement through public-private partnerships, which proponents argue could lead to faster implementation of transportation solutions.
Summary
House Bill 2990 focuses on enhancing the powers and authority of regional mobility authorities in Texas. It seeks to amend various provisions in the Transportation Code to allow these authorities greater flexibility in managing transportation projects. For instance, the bill defines 'surplus revenue' more expansively and allows authorities to enter into contracts for transportation projects more freely, minimizing prior requirements for competitive bidding in certain cases. This change aims to streamline the construction of vital infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, the bill has sparked discussion about the balance of power between state and local government. Critics express concern that the broad authority given to regional mobility authorities could encroach upon local control over transportation decisions, leading to a disconnect between community needs and large-scale transportation projects. Additionally, the mechanisms for tax collection for infrastructure funding have raised eyebrows about financial impacts on taxpayers.
Relating to the creation of the Cross Timbers Regional Utility Authority; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts and to notice a person who proposes to sell or convey real property located in any of certain conservation and reclamation districts must provide to a prospective purchaser of that property.
Relating to the approval and creation of the Williamson County Development District No. 1; and to the administration, powers, duties, operation, and financing of the district, including the authority to impose an assessment, a tax, and issue bonds.
Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.
Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Stanley Lake Municipal Utility District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Stanley Lake Municipal Utility District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Williamson County Development District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation, administration, powers, duties, operations, and financing of a border region higher-speed rail authority for the Texas-Louisiana and the Texas-Mexico border regions; granting the power to issue bonds; imposing a tax; granting the power of eminent domain.