Relating to the use of money in the state highway fund for toll projects.
Impact
If enacted, SB639 will directly affect the allocation of resources within the Texas highway funding framework. The bill emphasizes using the state highway fund exclusively for non-toll project developments, thus limiting its application and ensuring that funds are reinvested into public roadways that do not charge tolls. Critics of the bill may express concerns regarding its potential impact on the expansion and modernization of transportation infrastructure that requires toll funding for financially viable projects, suggesting it could hinder the overall development of the state's transportation system.
Summary
Senate Bill 639 proposes significant amendments to the Texas Transportation Code, specifically concerning how funds from the state highway fund can be utilized for toll projects. The bill seeks to ensure that no state highway fund money will be appropriated for the construction, maintenance, or acquisition of rights-of-way for toll roads. Instead, the bill allocates funds strictly for public road construction and improvement for non-toll infrastructures, thereby reinforcing a clear delineation between toll and non-toll projects within the state's funding structure. This legislative move appears to be a reaction to growing concerns about the financial management of toll facilities and their impact on public access to roadways.
Contention
There could be notable contention surrounding SB639 as it delineates between toll and non-toll funding mechanisms. Supporters of the bill may argue that it promotes transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, ensuring taxpayers' money is not inappropriately diverted to toll projects. Conversely, opponents may argue that the restrictive measures on the state highway fund could limit the state’s capacity to adaptively manage its growing transportation needs, especially as toll roads often provide significant revenue for critical infrastructure projects.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Grow Texas fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Relating to the funding of projects by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to promote the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges.