Texas House Bill HB1838

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the provision of a plan regarding the elimination of toll roads.

Impact

The implications of HB 1838 are significant for state transportation infrastructure and financing. By instituting this plan for the gradual elimination of toll roads, the state would potentially alter its approach to transportation funding. Currently, tolls contribute a substantial portion of funding for road maintenance and construction; this bill could necessitate exploring alternative funding mechanisms to support these aging infrastructures. This shift may impact taxpayers dramatically, as it could lead to increased assessments for maintaining roadways previously funded by toll revenues.

Summary

House Bill 1838 aims to develop a comprehensive plan for the elimination of all toll roads in Texas by the year 2046. It mandates that the Texas Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the state comptroller and governor, create and present this plan to each member of the legislature by September 1, 2016. The legislation applies to a range of existing toll roads, including prominent ones like Loop 1 Toll, Dallas North Tollway, and Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road among others. The ultimate goal of this bill is to transition Texas toward a toll-free transportation network.

Contention

While some legislators and constituents may view the elimination of tolls as a beneficial reform, there are concerns surrounding the funding for maintaining and expanding Texas’s extensive highway system. Opponents might argue that such a move could lead to financial strain on the state budget and ultimately degrade road quality if adequate funding avenues are not established. Moreover, there may be debates on whether the removal of tolls might lead to increased congestion and transportation challenges, especially if there are no viable alternatives to manage traffic flow effectively.