By: Creighton S.B. No. 1959
(Deshotel)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the maritime port plans, reports, and programs prepared
by the Port Authority Advisory Committee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 55.007(a), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) The committee shall:
(1) prepare the [a] maritime port mission plan
described by Section 55.008;
(2) review each project eligible to be funded under
this chapter and make recommendations for approval or disapproval
to the department; and
(3) [every two years prepare a report on Texas
maritime ports, with a list of projects that have been recommended
by the committee, including:
[(A) the recommended funding level for each
project; and
[(B) if staged implementation of the project is
appropriate, the funding requirements for each stage; and
[(4)] advise the commission and the department on
matters relating to port authorities.
SECTION 2. Section 55.008, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 55.008. MARITIME PORT MISSION PLAN [CAPITAL PROGRAM].
(a) The committee shall prepare a two-year maritime port mission
plan [capital program] defining the goals and objectives of the
committee concerning the development of maritime port facilities
and an intermodal transportation system. The plan [port capital
program] must include projects or studies submitted to the
committee by any maritime port and recommendations for:
(1) the construction of transportation facilities
connecting any maritime port to another transportation mode; and
(2) the efficient, cost-effective development of
transportation facilities or maritime port facilities for the
purpose of:
(A) enhancing international trade;
(B) enhancing security;
(C) promoting cargo flow;
(D) increasing cruise passenger movements;
(E) increasing maritime port revenues; and
(F) providing economic benefits to the state.
(b) The committee shall update the maritime port mission
plan [capital program] and shall submit the updated plan [capital
program] not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year to:
(1) the governor;
(2) the lieutenant governor;
(3) the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(4) the commission.
SECTION 3. Section 55.007(b), Transportation Code, is
repealed.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2019.