83R2838 JRR-D
By: Paxton S.B. No. 1017
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of state travel information centers by
private and nonprofit entities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 204.003, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 204.003. TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTERS. (a) In this
section, "travel information center" means an information center
located at a principal gateway of this state that provides [The
department shall maintain and operate travel information centers at
the principal gateways to this state to provide] highway
information, travel guidance, and descriptive material designed to
assist the traveling public and stimulate travel to and within this
state.
(b) The department shall issue a request for proposals to
private and nonprofit entities for the operation of a travel
information center.
(c) The department shall maintain and operate the center as
a rest area without staff if the department finds none of the offers
from its request for proposals acceptable or is unable to comply
with federal law in issuing a contract under this section.
(d) This section does not apply to a travel information
center located at the State Capitol.
SECTION 2. Section 204.004, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 204.004. PAYMENT OF COSTS. (a) The department may pay
from highway revenues the cost, including the administration and
operation cost, of:
(1) developing, publishing, and distributing
material; and
(2) maintaining and operating travel information
centers.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(2), the department may
not pay from highway revenues the cost, including the
administration and operation cost, of operating a travel
information center on or after August 31, 2014, provided that the
department may pay for the cost of maintaining and operating a
travel information center as an unstaffed rest area.
SECTION 3. The Texas Department of Transportation shall
initiate the process of contracting the operation of travel
information centers to a private or nonprofit entity not later than
September 1, 2013. The department shall contract for the operation
of travel information centers or cease staffing the travel
information centers as required by Section 204.003, Transportation
Code, as amended by this Act, not later than August 31, 2014.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.