Texas Senate Bill SB246

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 12/6/10
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/28/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/30/11
• Refer: 1/31/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 3/28/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 3/30/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to toll collection services provided by a regional tollway authority.

Impact

One significant aspect of SB246 is its impact on how toll revenues are treated. The bill stipulates that toll revenues collected by an authority must be considered the property of the entity entitled to receive those revenues according to the tolling services agreement. This provision is crucial for maintaining financial clarity and protecting the entity from adverse claims regarding revenue collection that could complicate tolling operations. By tightly defining the relationship between the toll authority and the revenues, SB246 aims to create greater financial stability within the tolling framework.

Summary

SB246 amends the Transportation Code to clarify provisions related to tolling services provided by a regional tollway authority in Texas. The bill specifies the types of tolling services that can be offered, which include customer service, account maintenance, transponder supply, and toll collection and enforcement. The language aims to ensure that authorities can provide these essential services at reasonable compensation, regardless of whether the associated toll project is funded or developed under an agreement with the authority or another entity.

Contention

While the bill's provisions seem straightforward, discussions and potentially contentious points may arise around the financial security aspects, particularly whether the authority can provide cash collateral accounts for tolling services. In cases where this may restrict the authority's future financial maneuvering, concerns related to public funding and fiscal responsibility could surface among various stakeholders. Moreover, the bill could spur debate around local versus state control and the implications of tolling authority decisions on broader transportation policy and budgeting in Texas.