BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2121 84R10028 JRR-D By: King, Tracy O. (Zaffirini) Transportation 5/13/2015 Engrossed
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2121
84R10028 JRR-D By: King, Tracy O. (Zaffirini)
Transportation
5/13/2015
Engrossed
Senate Research Center
H.B. 2121
84R10028 JRR-D
By: King, Tracy O. (Zaffirini)
Transportation
5/13/2015
Engrossed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Article 6812b, Vernons Texas Civil Statutes, governs roads in counties having a population of more than 198,000 but less than 400,000 inhabitants and containing an incorporated city with a population in excess of 250,000. These laws were passed in 1951 and have been amended only once since thenin 1985. Examples of obsolete provisions contained therein include outdated salary structures for county engineers (not to exceed $10k per year) and a requirement that commissioners personally inspect all roads. In fact, the Texas Legislative Council (TLC) reports that this law is so outdated that it does not apply to any county. TLC therefore has recommended removing the entire Article because it is either so antiquated that it would be unrealistic to follow, or has been superseded by modern law and thus is no longer applicable. What's more, Webb County expects that the City of Laredo will far surpass the 250,000 population criteria in the 2020 census, and, as a result, Webb County would become subject to these antiquated provisions. Requiring the county to revert to these obsolete provisions simply does not make sense. H.B. 2121, therefore, would repeal these outdated laws. H.B. 2121 amends current law relating to the repeal of obsolete laws governing county road systems in certain counties. 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. Repealer: Chapter 300 (H.B. 490), Acts of the 52nd Legislature, Regular Session, 1951 (Article 6812b, V. T. C. S.) (Counties of 198,000 to 400,000 Population). SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Article 6812b, Vernons Texas Civil Statutes, governs roads in counties having a population of more than 198,000 but less than 400,000 inhabitants and containing an incorporated city with a population in excess of 250,000. These laws were passed in 1951 and have been amended only once since thenin 1985. Examples of obsolete provisions contained therein include outdated salary structures for county engineers (not to exceed $10k per year) and a requirement that commissioners personally inspect all roads. In fact, the Texas Legislative Council (TLC) reports that this law is so outdated that it does not apply to any county. TLC therefore has recommended removing the entire Article because it is either so antiquated that it would be unrealistic to follow, or has been superseded by modern law and thus is no longer applicable.
What's more, Webb County expects that the City of Laredo will far surpass the 250,000 population criteria in the 2020 census, and, as a result, Webb County would become subject to these antiquated provisions. Requiring the county to revert to these obsolete provisions simply does not make sense. H.B. 2121, therefore, would repeal these outdated laws.
H.B. 2121 amends current law relating to the repeal of obsolete laws governing county road systems in certain counties.
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. Repealer: Chapter 300 (H.B. 490), Acts of the 52nd Legislature, Regular Session, 1951 (Article 6812b, V. T. C. S.) (Counties of 198,000 to 400,000 Population).
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.