Texas Senate Bill SB970

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/6/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the qualifications required of the executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation.

Impact

The implications of this bill may significantly affect the operations of TxDOT. By lowering the specific credential requirements, the bill intends to attract individuals with diverse experiences and managerial skills, which can be seen as beneficial in a time when innovative approaches to transportation policy and management are needed. This could lead to improved overall effectiveness in TxDOT leadership, aligning the agency's priorities with various stakeholders' needs within Texas's transportation landscape.

Summary

SB970 focuses on amending the qualifications required of the executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The bill proposes to eliminate the requirement that the executive director must be a registered professional engineer in Texas. Instead, it emphasizes the necessity for the executive director to possess experience and skills in transportation planning, development, and organizational management. This change aims to allow for a broader pool of candidates, potentially including those with expertise in public administration and management, rather than strictly engineering backgrounds.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB970 is the potential tension between engineering expertise and managerial flexibility. Proponents argue that the current requirements might limit the talent pool to those with an engineering background, which may not always be the most effective skill set for leading a complex public agency. Conversely, critics could argue that transportation inherently requires valuable engineering knowledge to effectively manage projects and ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The debate may center on whether leadership in a technical field should prioritize technical knowledge or managerial ability.