2015 legislation – Page 2 – InfoHive

New: House Select Committee on Transportation Planning. 5 Study Topics.

Rep. Joe Pickett, Chair

Members include:

Reps. Larry Phillips of Sherman
Armando “Mando” Martinez of Weslaco
Ron Simmons of Carrolton
Lyle Larson of San Antonio
Paul Workman of Austin
Debbie Riddle of Houston
Armando Walle of Houston
James White of Hillister.

The select committee is the result of 2015’s HB 20 by Simmons. The Selecgt Committee will:

review and evaluate transportation revenue projections
funding categories and project selection criteria
rules for project…

Rep. Wray on 2015 Transportation Legislation

“There has been some discussion about a portion of that tax being diverted away from highway construction. We were able to stop that in the current budget. That is approximately $650 million per year that will be spent on highway maintenance and construction,” Wray said. “That was an item and topic that I heard a lot about on the campaign trail. I am happy to report to you that we were able to end that diversion.”

Waxahachie Daily Light

Self Driving Cars Come to Texas No Government Approval Necessary

After self-driving car regulations failed to pass during the regular legislative session, Google brings self-driving cars to Austin.

No legislation, means no permission necessary for self-driving cars. Google’s cars will have 2 back up human drivers in them at all times and weill be seen in and around Austin.

Texas Tribune

Gov. Abbott Statement on Signing Transportation Funding

““Not only are we dedicating more money to building roads, we’re also ending diversions and as a result, providing greater transparency,” said Governor Abbott. “This legislation will have a tremendous and positive impact on the lives of people across the State of Texas.”

Office of the Governor

SAO: TXDOT Construction Contracts.

Overall pretty good not shabby by the agency that once misplaced $1billion. The State Auditor Office raised these issues with TXDOT construction contracts:

better document retention
contracts should have a provision to allow for TXDOT audits and SAO audits

Most of this will be handled by SB 20, which has provisions for docuemnt retention and audits.

SAO 15-33

TPPF Not Amused by Senate Amendments to HB 20

TPPF calls HB 20 a good bill when it left the House in April, but makes these comments about HB 20 after Senate amendments:

Eliminates TXDOT authority to use design-build
Will cost taxpayers Billions

TPPF

6 Points from The Transportation Funding Deal

Projected $3 Billion boost in funding, possibly more
Funding will shift to construction and maintenance of toll-free roads
Will require voter approval in November 2016
Funding will rely on general sales tax and the motor vehicle sales tax
The funding mechanism: “starting in 2018, TxDOT would get up to an additional $2.5 billion a year in general sales tax revenue once that pot reached $28 billion a year”
“Starting in 2020, the highway…

High Speed Rail Lives to Fight Another Battle

High Speed Rail escaped the conference committee on House Bill 1, without the provision removing its ability to be granted the power of eminent domain.

The no votes by the conferees were:

Otto
Ashby
Kolkhorst
Schwertner

More fights are on the horizon as Texas Central Railways seeks to aquire land and requisite funding to build the Dallas-Houstonn high speed rail.

Posted by adminMay 28, 2015Posted in2015 legislation, eminent domain, railways

Does Central Texas Rail Live or Wilt?

HB 1 Conferee agreement on Rider 48 of the Transportation Article in the state budget would prohibit TXDOT from expending any funds for Texas Central Rail.

Central Rail is waiting to hear what fate will bring.

Government Technology