BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1777 83R9121 MMC-D By: Moody et al. (Rodriguez) Intergovernmental Relations 5/10/2013 Engrossed BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1777 83R9121 MMC-D By: Moody et al. (Rodriguez) Intergovernmental Relations 5/10/2013 Engrossed Senate Research Center H.B. 1777 83R9121 MMC-D By: Moody et al. (Rodriguez) Intergovernmental Relations 5/10/2013 Engrossed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Interested parties note that recent media attention has focused on what some have called excessively long wait times at international ports of entry between Mexico and Texas. Some business leaders have expressed concern that these wait times are having a negative impact on their industries and international trade generally. H.B. 1777 amends current law relating to a study regarding the effects on international trade of wait times at points of entry between the United States and the United Mexican States. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.1145, as follows: Sec. 201.1145. STUDY REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE. (a) Requires the Border Trade Advisory Committee (committee) to conduct a study regarding the effects on international trade of wait times at points of entry between the United States and the United Mexican States located in this state. (b) Requires the committee to consult with the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) to the extent that TTC may provide useful information, expertise, or resources to further the study. Requires TTC to assist the committee with the study. (c) Requires that the study include recommendations regarding intergovernmental initiatives to reduce wait times and promote international trade. (d) Requires the committee, not later than October 1, 2014, to submit a report to the legislature that includes the results of the study and any associated recommendations. (e) Provides that this section expires January 1, 2015. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013. AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Interested parties note that recent media attention has focused on what some have called excessively long wait times at international ports of entry between Mexico and Texas. Some business leaders have expressed concern that these wait times are having a negative impact on their industries and international trade generally. H.B. 1777 amends current law relating to a study regarding the effects on international trade of wait times at points of entry between the United States and the United Mexican States. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.1145, as follows: Sec. 201.1145. STUDY REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE. (a) Requires the Border Trade Advisory Committee (committee) to conduct a study regarding the effects on international trade of wait times at points of entry between the United States and the United Mexican States located in this state. (b) Requires the committee to consult with the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) to the extent that TTC may provide useful information, expertise, or resources to further the study. Requires TTC to assist the committee with the study. (c) Requires that the study include recommendations regarding intergovernmental initiatives to reduce wait times and promote international trade. (d) Requires the committee, not later than October 1, 2014, to submit a report to the legislature that includes the results of the study and any associated recommendations. (e) Provides that this section expires January 1, 2015. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.