Texas House Bill HB1255

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/3/09
• Voted on by House: 4/22/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/22/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/23/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to an interlocal contract for a relief highway route around certain municipalities.

Impact

This bill would impact state laws regarding interlocal agreements and highway infrastructure development. Municipalities will gain the legal framework necessary to allocate municipal funds or issue bonds for these highway projects. As a result, communities with such waste disposal facilities could see improvements in traffic management and safer routes for transportation associated with the disposal operations. The willingness to invest in these projects signifies a proactive approach to both local governance and public health safety.

Summary

House Bill 1255 establishes provisions for municipalities located in counties with facilities licensed to dispose of low-level radioactive waste. It allows these municipalities to enter into interlocal contracts with their county governments for the construction and maintenance of relief highway routes outside their boundaries. The bill is aimed at serving a public purpose, ensuring that waste-related traffic does not pose risks within municipal limits. By facilitating collaboration between counties and cities, the bill promotes infrastructure improvement while managing health and safety concerns.

Contention

While the bill seems to promote public safety through improved infrastructure, potential points of contention may arise regarding funding sources and responsibilities. Concerns could be raised about the financial implications for municipalities, especially if local taxpayers bear the cost for the relief highway routes. Furthermore, the bill does not detail any regulatory oversight which could lead to debates on accountability in managing the construction and ongoing maintenance of these highway routes.