May 12, 2023

Mark Your Calendar


The Transit Coalition of North Texas has two upcoming events to place on your calendar:


May 18, 2023, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM --Transit Priorities and Funding Webinar will be on Zoom.


September 22, 2023, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM --TCNT Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, with Congressional Update and Transit CEO Panel Discussion. Registration Details

LEGISLATIVE HEADLINES

Bills are starting to die due to deadlines. Be sure you scroll through the bills.

...and scroll to the bottom for North Texas transit headlines.



Texas Legislature Passes Annual Electric Vehicle Fee


texasfarmbureau.org


The Texas Legislature passed a bill that would impose an annual registration fee for electric vehicles in the state. SB 505 now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for his signature.


The bill, authored by Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), amends the transportation code by creating an additional fee for electric vehicles at registration.


“As more of these vehicles drive on Texas roads, there are concerns about how they contribute to the funding of the roads which they use,” said Nichols, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Transportation. “Currently, Texas uses the gasoline/diesel fuel tax to fund transportation projects. However, with the growing use of EVs, the revenue from the fuel tax is decreasing, which diminishes our ability to fund road improvements for all drivers.”


Funding of road and transportation projects in Texas is heavily derived from the gasoline and diesel fuel tax. With the continuous increase of alternatively fueled vehicles, such as electric vehicles, there is a loss in revenue. Electric vehicles use the same roads as conventionally fueled vehicles and should share in the cost of transportation funding, according to proponents of SB 505.


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TribCast: Can Texas’ Political Leaders Stop Their Bickering for the Legislative Homestretch?


texastribune.org


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Glossary


Key Dates

A Little Birdy Told Me...

You may notice in the list of bills we're tracking that some bills are grayed out. While no concept is truly dead until the gavel drops on Sunday, May 28, a House bill not reported out of a House committee by this past Monday, May 8, is not moving forward. Here are some other key dates:

May 12 is the last day for House to consider consent HBs on local and consent calendar on 2nd and 3rd reading and ALL 3rd reading HBs /HJRs on supplemental calendar.

May 19 is the last day for the House to consider local HBs on local and consent calendar on 2nd and 3rd reading.

May 20 is the last day for House committees to report Senate bills and Senate joint resolutions out of committee.

TRANSIT RELATED BILLS



HB 366 Bell, Cecil (R)

Relating to the filing of a bond by a private high-speed rail operator with the Texas Department of Transportation.

General Remarks: This legislation requires a private high speed rail operator to file a bond with TxDOT in an amount that would be sufficient to restore property used for the service to its original condition, should the service cease operation.

Companions: HB 1054 Bell, Cecil (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 02-23-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HB 485 Gervin-Hawkins, Barbara(D)

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses committed in a vehicle operated by a public transportation system.

Companions: HB 435 Gervin-Hawkins, Barbara (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 04-25-23 H Committee action pending House Criminal Jurisprudence


HB 820 King, Ken(R)

Relating to imposing an additional fee for the registration of electric and hybrid vehicles.

General Remarks: This bill imposes an additional registration fee of $200 on electric vehicles, and $100 on hybrids. The funds collected go to the State Highway Fund, except 10% flows to a fund managed by TCEQ to cover the costs of disposal of electric vehicle batteries.

Bill History: 04-05-23 H Committee action pending House Transportation


HB 960 Jetton, Jacey(R)

Relating to imposing a road maintenance fee for the registration of an electric vehicle.

General Remarks: This bill adds an additional vehicle registration fee for electric vehicles of $100.

Bill History: 03-02-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HB 1187 Jones, Jolanda (F)(D)

Relating to the inclusion of affordable housing as a qualifying project for public-private partnerships.

Companions: HB 2317 Coleman, Garnet (Refiled from 87R Session) and SB 610 Alvarado, Carol (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 04-19-23 H Committee action pending House County Affairs


HB 1343 Rosenthal, Jon(D)

Relating to prohibiting carrying a firearm while intoxicated.

Bill History: 03-03-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Select on Community Safety


HB 1379 Ortega, Lina(D)

Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.

Companions: SB 848 Blanco, Cesar (Identical) 03-01-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Bill History: 04-04-23 H Reported favorably from committee on House Transportation

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-46%


HB 2190 Canales, Terry(D)

Relating to the terminology used to describe transportation-related accidents.

Bill History: 05-11-23 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Transportation

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-71%


HB 2199 Canales, Terry(D)

Relating to imposing an additional fee for the registration of an electric vehicle.

Companions: SB 505 Nichols, Robert (Identical) 05-02-23 G Sent to the Governor

Bill History: 04-26-23 H Laid on the table-subject to call-see SB 505


HB 2290 Cortez, Philip(D)

Relating to the eligibility for grants for alternative fueling facilities.

Companions: HB 286 Cortez, Philip (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 05-09-23 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Natural Resources/Economic Development

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-71%


HB 2313 Thompson, Senfronia(D)

Relating to training materials for certain transportation network company drivers regarding human trafficking awareness and prevention.

Companions: SB 1369 Paxton, Angela (Identical) 3-16-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce

Bill History: 05-11-23 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Business and Commerce

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-71%


HB 2341 Guillen, Ryan(R)

Relating to procedures governing a regional mobility authority in relation to certain federal public transportation funding.

Companions: HB 2503 Guillen, Ryan (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 04-24-23 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Transportation

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-71%


HB 2357 Harris, Cody(R)

Relating to provision to the Texas Department of Transportation of information regarding certain high-speed rail projects.

Bill History: 05-12-23 H Postponed on second reading to the end of the calendar.


HB 2449 Anchia, Rafael(D)

Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District.

Companions: HB 5282 Anchia, Rafael (Identical) 04-04-23 H Committee action pending House Urban Affairs

Bill History: 03-13-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Urban Affairs


HB 2518 Bell, Keith(R)

Relating to public work contracts, including contracts on public property leased to a nongovernmental entity.

Bill History: 05-11-23 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Business and Commerce

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-84%


HB 2745 Thompson, Ed(R)

Relating to the appointment of members to policy boards of certain metropolitan planning organizations.

Companions: SB 2338 Middleton, Mayes (Identical) 03-23-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Bill History: 03-13-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HB 2763 Guillen, Ryan(R)

Relating to an exemption from motor fuel taxes for certain fuel used by a rural transit district to provide public transportation.

Bill History: 05-11-23 H Set on the House Calendar

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-50%


HB 2832 Reynolds, Ron(D)

Relating to the funding of multimodal transportation projects.

Bill History: 03-14-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HB 3017 Harrison, Brian(R)

Relating to the required posting by governmental entities of employee contracts and compensation on entity Internet websites.

Bill History: 03-14-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs


HB 3081 Harrison, Brian(R) Relating to the deregulation of certain activities and occupations.

General Remarks: This legislation changes Chapter 460's competitive bidding language and strikes the words licensed auctioneer.

Bill History: 03-14-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures


HB 3100 Landgraf, Brooks(R)

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

Bill History: 03-30-23 H Committee action pending House Environmental Regulation


***HB 3146 Shaheen, Matt(R)***

Relating to information contained in the annual financial audit of certain regional transportation authorities.

Companions: HB 3867 Shaheen, Matt (Refiled from 87R Session) SB 1370 Paxton, Angela (Identical) 05-05-23 H Referred to House Committee on House Transportation

General Remarks: This bill requires DART to separate out expenditures by city in their annual financial audit.

Bill History: 04-05-23 H Left Pending in Committee

Committee Hearing: House Transportation Committee Video, Minute Marker: 32:48


HB 3234 Troxclair, Ellen (F)(R)

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

General Remarks: This bill would make it easier for cities that are current members of Capital Metro to withdraw.

Bill History: 03-15-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HB 3281 Leo-Wilson, Terri (F)(R)

Relating to a prohibition on certain roadway projects and to the distribution of affordable housing funds to local governmental entities that violate that prohibition.

Companions: SB 1293 Hall, Bob (Identical) 03-09-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Bill History: 03-15-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HB 3323 Goodwin, Vikki(D)

Relating to food system security and resiliency planning.

Companions: SB 758 West, Royce (Identical) 05-11-23 S Placed on Senate Calendar

Bill History: 05-12-23 S Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E1.012- Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-81%


HB 3418 Canales, Terry(D)

Relating to the implementation by the Texas Department of Transportation of a vehicle mileage user fee pilot program and a task force to assist in developing and evaluating the program.

General Remarks: This bill creates a vehicle mileage user fee pilot program. It requires TxDOT to develop the program in conjunction with DMV and TTI. The pilot program would be focused on commercial vehicles and require the participants to have on-board vehicle mileage counting equipment. One of the requirements for the pilot program is to test variable pricing based on a number of factors, including proximity to transit.

Bill History: 05-17-23 S Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E1.016 - Senate Transportation

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-81%


HB 3599 Thierry, Shawn(D)

Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for, and registration fees for motor vehicles owned by, certain nonprofit food banks.

Bill History: 05-10-23 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Finance

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-71%


HB 3812 Jetton, Jacey(R)

Relating to the establishment and use of the Texas Infrastructure Fund.

General Remarks: This bill establishes the Texas Infrastructure Fund, which creates a fund outside the treasury that can be used for water, ports, broadband, highways, aviation, rail and transit projects. It would require appropriations into the fund, but then could be leveraged as matching grants for eligible projects around the state.

Bill History: 03-20-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs


HB 3870 Harris, Cody(R)

Relating to the disposition of real property acquired for high-speed rail projects.

Companions: HB 3312 Harris, Cody (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 03-20-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Land and Resource Management


HB 3899 Troxclair, Ellen (F)(R)

Relating to the issuance of bonds by certain local government corporations.

Companions: SB 1791 Bettencourt, Paul (Identical) 03-20-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Local Government

Bill History: 05-08-23 S Committee action pending Senate Local Government.

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-75%

Those of you watching this bill with interest can find more information at the City of Austin's Watson Wire, May 2023 edition.


HB 4015 Thompson, Ed(R)

Relating to the disposition of certain fees collected for the rail safety program.

Bill History: 05-11-23 S Passed (Vote: Y: 30/N: 0)

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-96%


HB 4123 Guillen, Ryan(R)

Relating to the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety.

Companions: SB 1785 Zaffirini, Judith (Identical) 03-20-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce

Bill History: 05-11-23 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Business and Commerce

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-71%


HB 4313 Raymond, Richard(D)

Relating to the safety standards of certain rail employees.

Companions: HB 3954 Raymond, Richard (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 03-21-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HB 4551 Kacal, Kyle(R)

Relating to a required water quality permit for construction of a high-speed rail project.

Bill History: 04-04-23 H Committee action pending House Natural Resources


HB 4559 Darby, Drew(R)

Relating to the application of statutes that classify political subdivisions according to population.

Bill History: 05-04-23 S Recommended for Local/Uncontested Calendar

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-97%


HB 4846 Davis, Yvonne(D)

Relating to transportation planning by metropolitan planning organizations.

Bill History: 05-12-23 H Set on Local Calendar

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-75%


HB 4941 Tinderholt, Tony(R)

Relating to the regulation of private security.

Bill History: 03-23-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety


HB 5140 Cain, Briscoe(R)

Relating to a prohibition against the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor in governmental employment or contracting, in other governmental functions, and in higher education admissions.

Bill History: 03-24-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs


HB 5171 Wilson, Terry(R)

Relating to the authority of a special district to exercise a right or power outside the district's boundaries.

Companions: SB 1546 Bettencourt, Paul (Identical) 05-08-23 S First placement on Senate Intent Calendar

Bill History: 03-24-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House County Affairs


HB 5287 Guillen, Ryan(R)

Relating to the offense of terrorism.

Bill History: 03-24-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence


***HJR 77 Walle, Armando(D)***

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.

General Remarks: This constitutional amendment adds public transportation, public bicycle paths, and public sidewalks to the uses in the constitution that Proposition 1 for which the funds can be used.

Companions: HJR 109 Walle, Armando (Refiled from 87R Session) SJR 40 Miles, Borris (Refiled from 87R Session) 02-17-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Bill History: 04-12-23 H Committee action pending House Transportation


HJR 190 Morales, Eddie(D)

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the creation of a regional mobility authority by local law.

Companions: HB 4976 Morales, Eddie (Enabling) 3-23-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

Bill History: 03-23-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


HJR 204 Bucy, John(D)

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for transit-oriented projects.

Companions: HB 5215 Bucy, John (Enabling) 3-24-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

Bill History: 03-24-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation


SB 225 Nichols, Robert(R)

Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating certain constitutional transfers of money to that fund and the state highway fund.

Companions: HB 2230 Canales, Terry (Identical) 05-12-23 S First Placement on Senate Intent Calendar

General Remarks: This bill eliminates the expiration date for Proposition 1 in statute. Prop 1 currently expires in 2034, and this bill makes the Proposition 1 funding stream permanent.

Bill History: 02-15-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance


SB 505 Nichols, Robert(R)

Relating to imposing an additional fee for the registration of an electric vehicle.

Companions: HB 2199 Canales, Terry (Identical) 04-26-23 H Laid on the table-subject to call-see SB 505

Bill History: 05-02-23 G Sent to the Governor

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-100%


SB 848 Blanco, Cesar(D)

Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.

Companions: HB 1379 Ortega, Lina (Identical) 04-04-23 H Reported favorably from committee on House Transportation

Bill History: 03-01-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation


SB 936 Hancock, Kelly(R)

Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.

Companions: HB 2753 Smithee, John (Identical) 03-13-23 Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs

Bill History: 05-05-23 H Voted favorably from committee on House State Affairs

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-84%


SB 1293 Hall, Bob(R)

Relating to a prohibition on certain roadway projects and to the distribution of affordable housing funds to local governmental entities that violate that prohibition.

Companions: HB 3281 Leo-Wilson, Terri (F)(Identical) 3-15-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

Bill History: 03-09-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation


****SB 1370 Paxton, Angela(R)****

Relating to information contained in the annual financial audit of certain regional transportation authorities.

Companions: HB 3867 Shaheen, Matt (Refiled from 87R Session) HB 3146 Shaheen, Matt (Identical) 04-05-23 H Committe Action Pending House Transportation

General Remarks: This bill requires DART to separate out expenditures by city in their annual financial audit.

Bill History: 05-05-23 H Referred to House Committee on House Transportation

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-58%

Committee Hearing: Senate Transportation Committee Minute Marker: 4:53



***SB 1546 Bettencourt, Paul(R)***

Relating to the authority of a special district to exercise a right or power outside the district's boundaries.

Companions: HB 5171 Wilson, Terry (Identical) 3-24-23 H Introduced and referred to committee on House County Affairs

Bill History: 05-11-23 H Voted favorably from committee on House County Affairs

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-84%


SB 1791 Bettencourt, Paul(R)

Relating to the issuance of bonds by certain local government corporations.

Companions: HB 3899 Troxclair, Ellen (F)(Identical) 05-08-23 S Committee action pending Senate Local Government

Bill History: 03-20-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Local Government


SB 1984 Alvarado, Carol(D)

Relating to public-private partnerships for public and private facilities and infrastructure.

Bill History: 04-13-23 S Committee action pending Senate Business and Commerce


SB 2330 Bettencourt, Paul(R)

Relating to the authorization and reporting of expenditures for lobbying activities by certain political subdivisions and other public entities.

General Remarks: This is the compromise bill on taxpayer funded lobbying. It requires a governmental entity to approve a lobbying contract in a public meeting, post the contract on their website, publish membership dues to any association that lobbies on their website. It also allows any citizen to seek injunctive relief if a governmental entity violates this section.

Bill History: 03-23-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Local Government


SCR 2 Nichols, Robert(R)

Extending the duty of the comptroller of public accounts under Section 7-c, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, to deposit certain tax revenue to the state highway fund.

Companions: HCR 47 Canales, Terry (Identical) 04-17-23 H Committee action pending House Appropriations

General Remarks: This continuing resolution extends the expiration dates for Proposition 7 to 2042 for the $5B per biennium that comes from general sales tax, and to 2039 for the portion of Proposition 7 that comes from motor vehicle sales and rental taxes.

Bill History: 05-15-23 H Set on House Calendar

Statistical probability that this bill becomes a law at this step-80%


SJR 37 Miles, Borris(D)

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.

Companions: HJR 109 Walle, Armando (Refiled from 87R Session) SJR 40 Miles, Borris (Refiled from 87R Session) HJR 77 Walle, Armando (Identical) 04-12-23 H Committee action pending House Transportation

Bill History: 02-17-23 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Back at the Ranch...


From Tarrant County College News: Celebrating Five Years of TCC’s Partnership with Trinity Metro



From Dallas Morning News: Dallas to Take Over Vacant Lake Highlands Land to Move Forward Affordable Housing Project