Texas Senate Bill SB334

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/2/09
• Voted on by Senate: 3/19/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by House: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the repeal of the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to regulate air carriers.

Impact

The implications of SB334 on state laws could be significant. Without TxDOT's regulatory authority over air carriers, it is anticipated that there would be a move towards a more deregulated environment in Texas's aviation sector. Proponents of the bill may argue that this deregulation could lead to increased competition in the air transport market, potentially resulting in lower prices and more choices for consumers. Conversely, this could also raise concerns regarding safety and operational standards for air carriers.

Summary

SB334 aims to repeal the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to regulate air carriers. This legislation directly addresses the existing statutes that allow TxDOT to oversee the operations, safety, and economic impacts of air transportation within the state. By removing this regulatory power, the bill is set to change the framework governing air carriers in Texas, potentially impacting how they are managed and overseen, shifting authority away from state regulations.

Contention

Discussion surrounding the repeal of regulation has sparked notable points of contention. Supporters of the bill might contend that existing regulations are outdated and hinder the growth of the aviation industry in Texas, while opponents may express concerns over the lack of oversight that could compromise safety and service quality. The debate highlights differing perspectives on the balance between encouraging free market practices and ensuring necessary regulations to protect public safety and welfare.