Texas House Bill HB11

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08

Caption

Relating to repeal of authority for the establishment and operation of the Trans-Texas Corridor.

Impact

By repealing provisions related to the Trans-Texas Corridor, HB 11 will directly impact various sections of the Transportation Code and the Tax Code, effectively amending how these entities interact with private operations. Without the authority provided by this corridor, it may result in a reevaluation of current transportation projects and hinder future development plans that involve public-private partnerships. This legislative change reflects a shift towards maintaining public oversight over critical transportation infrastructure and addressing community concerns regarding the privatization of public assets.

Summary

House Bill 11 aims to repeal the authority for the establishment and operation of the Trans-Texas Corridor, a proposed system of multi-modal transportation facilities in Texas. The bill essentially seeks to remove existing provisions that allow for private entities to manage portions of the transportation corridor, which has been a topic of significant debate within the state legislature. This repeal is intended to reassert state control over transportation infrastructure and address concerns regarding privatization and its implications for public transit and asset management.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 11 reveals notable contention, particularly from proponents of the Trans-Texas Corridor who argue that it would enhance the transportation network by allowing for more efficient operation and maintenance of roadways by private entities. Critics, however, have raised concerns about accountability and the potential for public interests to be undermined in favor of profit-driven motives. Those in favor of repealing the corridor's authority express that local governance and community-specific needs should take precedence over broader, state-level infrastructure ambitions, especially in light of past controversies surrounding similar projects.