Texas House Bill HB2314

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/8/09
• Voted on by House: 4/28/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/23/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/23/09

Caption

Relating to the designation of the Texas Department of Transportation as the contracting agent for certain airports.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2314 is expected to have a significant impact on how airports in Texas are managed, particularly in terms of oversight and administration. Local governments and airport owners will have the option to officially designate TxDOT as their agent for supplies and services needed for airport operations. This could lead to improvements in operational consistency across various airports in the state, as TxDOT would bring standardized practices to the management of these facilities.

Summary

House Bill 2314 is designed to designate the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as the official contracting agent for certain airports within Texas. This bill modifies existing laws to clarify the role of TxDOT in assisting local governments and airport owners in the planning, construction, and operation of airports and air navigation facilities. By establishing TxDOT's authority in these areas, the bill aims to streamline processes related to airport management and enhance the efficiency of contract procurement.

Contention

While the bill facilitates more effective management of airport facilities, it is important to note that there could be potential pushback from local entities concerned about ceding control over their airports to a state agency. Some stakeholders may argue that local governance is critical to addressing specific community needs and ensuring that airport operations align closely with local priorities. The balance between local autonomy and state efficiency will be a crucial area to monitor as this bill progresses.

Notable_points

Another notable aspect of HB 2314 is its alignment with federal regulations, particularly concerning the use of federal funding for airports. In order to receive federal grants, airports must comply with the stipulations set out by federal guidelines. This bill ensures that TxDOT operates within such frameworks when acting as a contracting agent, thus supporting local entities in effectively securing and utilizing federal resources.