Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1875

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

Caption

Relating to funding to counties for transportation infrastructure projects located in areas of the state affected by increased oil and gas production.

Impact

The bill changes existing policies related to funding for transportation infrastructure, allowing counties to better respond to the needs created by oil and gas exploration and production. By enabling the creation of reinvestment zones, counties will have access to tax increment funds and the ability to apply for grants for their designated projects. This legislative shift represents a proactive approach to addressing local infrastructure needs, without imposing significant financial burdens directly on the counties or their residents.

Summary

SB1875 is focused on providing funds to counties in Texas for transportation infrastructure projects specifically located in areas affected by increased oil and gas production. The bill aims to enhance the ability of counties to designate areas as county energy transportation reinvestment zones, which would allow them to receive funding and manage transportation infrastructure improvements. The legislation underscores the state’s intent to support local governments coping with challenges and increased demands on their transportation systems due to oil and gas activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1875 appears to be generally positive among stakeholders who recognize the need for improved infrastructure in areas impacted by oil and gas production. County officials, in particular, have expressed support for the bill, highlighting that it would provide necessary resources for managing the wear and tear on local transportation systems. However, there may be concerns from environmental advocacy groups regarding the prioritization of funding for areas associated with fossil fuel extraction, which could lead to environmental degradation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1875 include the potential for criticism from environmentalists who may view increased funding for oil and gas-impacted areas as counterproductive to sustainable practices. Additionally, there could be debates about the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of reinvestment zones in genuinely addressing local needs versus serving the interests of the oil and gas industry. The bill’s impact on local governance and how funds are managed may also be scrutinized, particularly regarding transparency and accountability.

Companion Bills

TX HB4025

Similar Relating to funding to counties for transportation infrastructure projects located in areas of the state affected by increased oil and gas production, including money from county energy transportation reinvestment zones.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4419

Relating to the promotion of film and television production in this state, including the eligibility of film or television productions for funding under the major events reimbursement program, the creation of a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, the establishment of virtual film production institutes, and the designation of media production development zones.

TX HB2648

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities and local government corporations to use certain tax revenue for certain qualified projects and project-associated infrastructure.

TX HB739

Relating to provisions applicable to affordable housing located in a reinvestment zone in certain areas of the state; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1418

Relating to the route designation for the issuance of a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles in certain counties.

TX SB1208

Relating to the hotel occupancy tax imposed by certain rural counties and by municipalities located in those counties and to the use of revenue from that tax.

TX SB1761

Relating to infrastructure planning and lot frontages in the unincorporated area of certain counties.

TX SB2557

Relating to infrastructure planning and lot frontages in the unincorporated area of certain counties.

TX HB5282

Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.

TX HB2449

Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.

TX HB3100

Relating to the creation of a hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle grant program under the Texas emissions reduction plan.

Similar Bills

TX SB1747

Relating to funding and donations for transportation projects, including projects of county energy transportation reinvestment zones.

TX HB4025

Relating to funding to counties for transportation infrastructure projects located in areas of the state affected by increased oil and gas production, including money from county energy transportation reinvestment zones.

TX SB1708

Relating to funding for counties for transportation infrastructure projects located in areas of the state affected by increased oil and gas production, including administration of county energy transportation reinvestment zones.

TX SB1707

Relating to funding for county transportation infrastructure projects in counties with significant oil and gas production.

TX SB2378

Relating to the purposes and designation of a transportation reinvestment zone.

TX SB538

Relating to transportation reinvestment zones.

TX HB204

Relating to the purposes and designation of a transportation reinvestment zone.

TX HB563

Relating to the purposes and designation of a transportation reinvestment zone.