Texas Senate Bill SB2096

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/11/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of and the powers of a comprehensive multimodal urban transportation authority, including the power to impose taxes, issue bonds, and exercise limited eminent domain authority.

Impact

Should SB2096 be enacted, it would modify existing state laws governing transportation authorities significantly. It aims to streamline the processes involved in planning, funding, and executing multimodal transport solutions, thereby potentially alleviating current constraints faced by regional bodies. The authority's ability to impose a sales tax means that new funding mechanisms would be created to support transportation initiatives, which might relieve some of the existing financial burdens on local municipalities seeking to improve their transportation systems.

Summary

SB2096 proposes the establishment of a comprehensive multimodal urban transportation authority in Texas, granting it extensive powers to develop and manage a wide array of transportation projects. The legislation specifically allows the authority to impose sales and use taxes, issue bonds for financing, and exercise limited eminent domain powers to acquire properties necessary for its projects. The definition of a transportation project is broadened to include various forms of public transport as well as infrastructure improvements aimed at mobility enhancement, allowing the authority to address the diverse transportation needs within its jurisdiction.

Contention

Some points of contention arise regarding the authority's powers, particularly concerning taxation and eminent domain. Critics may argue that the ability to impose taxes without direct voter consent could be seen as circumventing local democratic processes. The authority's eminent domain powers might also raise concerns among property owners who fear potential loss of their land without adequate compensation. Additionally, the consolidation of powers under a state-created entity may be viewed by some as a reduction in local control over transportation projects, prioritizing regional needs over community-specific interests.