Texas House Bill HB1131

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 2/3/11
• Refer: 2/28/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11

Caption

Relating to the permissible uses of the state highway fund.

Impact

The revisions proposed by HB1131 are expected to streamline how state highway funds are allocated, ideally enhancing the efficiency of transportation spending in Texas. By narrowing the permissible uses of these funds, the legislation responds to previous concerns about potential misallocation. It places an emphasis on directly benefiting the state highway infrastructure while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns, a significant balancing act that indicates a progressive approach to highway funding. Ultimately, these changes could lead to a more effective use of taxpayer money in the transportation sector.

Summary

House Bill 1131 amends Texas's Transportation Code to redefine the permissible uses of the state highway fund. The bill aims to specify that funds within this state highway fund may predominantly be utilized for improving the state highway system and for mitigating adverse environmental effects resulting from highway construction and maintenance activities. This change is designed to shift the focus of highway fund expenditures towards enhancing transportation infrastructure and improving environmental considerations associated with highway projects.

Contention

Critics of the bill may express concern about the potential limitations it imposes on funding flexibility. By restricting the uses of the state highway fund, there may be fears that urgent needs outside the defined scope could go unaddressed, particularly in areas where local jurisdictions may have benefitted from broader use of these funds. The bill’s passage could also spark debate among stakeholders about how to balance the needs for infrastructure improvement with environmental stewardship and other competing interests within the transportation sector.