TX
Texas House Bill HB527

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB527

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to requiring certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities to hold a referendum before spending any money for a fixed rail transit system.

Impact

The implementation of HB 527 could significantly impact local government decisions regarding public transit systems. By requiring a referendum, the bill introduces a democratic process in matters that concern substantial financial commitments from transit authorities. The intent is to ensure that the citizens in these jurisdictions have a decisive say in the development and operation of fixed rail systems, potentially leading to enhanced local accountability and transparency. However, this requirement may also slow down transit development projects by prolonging the decision-making process involved in gaining voter approval.

Summary

House Bill 527 aims to require certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities, specifically those established before 1980 in municipalities with populations under 1.9 million, to hold a referendum prior to spending any funds on fixed rail transit systems. The bill mandates that such authorities can only proceed with expenditures related to the purchase, acquisition, construction, operation, or maintenance of a fixed rail transit system if a majority of voters approve the proposition in an election. This provision emphasizes the need for public consent in the investment of public funds into transit infrastructure.

Contention

The bill may face significant debate among stakeholders, with proponents arguing that it empowers voters and encourages a careful consideration of local needs and priorities in public transit. Critics, particularly transit advocates, may contend that it could hinder necessary transportation improvements and infrastructure investments by adding layers of bureaucracy that delay vital projects. The necessity to hold repeated referendums could deter authorities from pursuing innovative transit solutions and addressing pressing transportation challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Companion Bills

TX SB1837

Identical Relating to requiring certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities to hold a referendum before spending any money for a fixed rail transit system.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3234

Relating to the withdrawal of a unit of election from certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities.

TX HB1425

Relating to authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing daylight saving time year-round.

TX SB1297

Relating to observing standard time year-round and authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round.

TX HB1931

Relating to authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round.

TX HB1101

Relating to authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round.

TX HB2815

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts and to notice a person who proposes to sell or convey real property located in any of certain conservation and reclamation districts must provide to a prospective purchaser of that property.

TX SJR25

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

TX HB3596

Relating to proposing a referendum to the people of the State of Texas on the question of whether this state should reassert its status as an independent nation.

TX SB2521

Relating to the powers, authorities, duties, and responsibilities of certain conservation and reclamation districts.

TX HB1626

Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular educational environment, including parental rights related to that transition, and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.