Senate Transportation met on April 21 to take up a number of bills; a list of which can be found here. This report covers HB 5 (Ashby et al.), HB 1116 (Thompson, Ed et al.), SB 1815 (Seliger), and SB 2012 (Taylor). A video of the hearing can be found here.

 

This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics taken up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the discussions but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.

 

Vote Outs

HB 1081 (Kuempel) (6-0)

HB 2677 (Bonnen) (6-0)

HB 2678 (Bonnen) (6-0)

SB 1185 (Alvarado) (6-0)

CSSB 1907 (Blanco) (6-0)

SB 1910 (Blanco) (6-0)

SB 1865 (West) (5-1)

SB 1990 (Miles) (6-0)

CSSB 2054 (Menendez) (6-0)

SB 206 (Schwertner) (6-0)

  • New committee substitute
  • Would allow operations in master communities with a speed limit of less than 35 without a license unless otherwise stated by the city

SB 1270 (6-0)

  • New committee substitute
  • Narrows caption, purchase to be made to the lowest responsible bidder, posting information on a website
  • West – Original bill wanted flexibilities outside of the competitive bidding process?
    • When it is an emergency situation and is limited by dollars
    • West – Wants this to go to the floor for further discussion

CSSB 1838 (Eckhardt) (6-0)

  • Will be taken to the floor

 

 

SB 2012 (Taylor) – Relating to the offense of operating certain vehicles without a license plate

  • Taylor – Passed this two sessions ago in this committee as SB 80
  • Now 20 states do not require two license plates
  • Bill only applies to vehicles that are not designed for mounting a front license plate
  • Overviews a number of those who have registered for/against the bill

 

Omar Villarreal, DPS – On

  • Two license plates are a value for law enforcement
  • West – How often have you pulled someone over for not having a front license plate; seems to not be an issue
    • Often, do not have the specific number; does not know how this will impact toll roads either

SB 2012 voted out to local and uncontested (6-0)

 

HB 1116 (Thompson, Ed et al.) (SP: Alvarado) – Relating to toll collection and enforcement on state highway toll lanes by entities other than the Texas Department of Transportation

  • Alvarado – Allows toll road violations file the fining and fee structure of the entity that issues the initial toll invoice
  • Notes there are three different toll companies along a stretch of toll road 288 Harris/Brazoria
  • West – How do you determine who issues the initial invoice?
    • The toll road you start on; there is an agreement in place

 

Ashley Lewis, Counsel Blueridge Transportation Group – For

  • West – Is there an agreement in place?
    • Yes
  • Nichols – Are three different tolling authorities? Includes TxDOT?
    • Are three portions of the road; the middle portion of the road has three entities involved, TxDOT, Blueridge and HCTRA
  • Nichols – All three agree that HCTRA would manage/process the toll?
    • Yes
  • Nichols – Do we need legislation for this?
    • Legislation cleans up the regulation process; purpose of the bill is to ensure there is no confusion
    • There will be a single contact

 

TAG Houston – For, not testifying

 

Aran Tolidano, Blueridge Transportation Group – For

  • Developed the toll lanes in Harris; have an agreement with HCTRA
  • Bill will ensure there is one point of contact on issues that arise
  • Nichols – If there is an agreement, do you need legislation to do that?
    • Yes; BTG and TxDOT look at different parts of the transportation code

HB 1116 voted out to local and uncontested (6-0)

 

SB 1815 (Seliger) (CS) – Relating to motor vehicle size and weight limitations

  • Seliger – Conforms
  • CS makes minor changes to definitions to align with federal requirements

CSSB 1815 voted out to local and uncontested (6-0)

 

HB 5 (Ashby et al.) (SP: Nichols) (CS) – Relating to the expansion of broadband services to certain areas

  • Nichols – Broadband bill went to the House, and the companion bill came back over to the Senate
  • We will vote it out and put on local calendar, so we do not have to go to the floor with it
  • Passed out of the House (150-0)
  • CS puts SB 5 language in; primary difference was where it would be located, House said Comptroller’s office, but our version says UT system with a designated board

 

Harrison Hiner, Communication Workers of America – Supports House Version of HB 5

  • Supports HB 5 as the House passed it out
  • House has the broadband development office in the Comptroller’s office who is elected; will ensure equity of deployment
  • House version includes provisions to address racial diversity and economic inequity

 

Matthew Garcia, Dallas Regional Chamber – For

  • In the Dallas area, 99.7% are covered by sufficient plans, but subscription rates decline when poverty rates increase
  • Bill will address future and immediate broadband needs

 

Mike Williams, Texas Electric Cooperatives – For

  • Supported when the bill was filed, and support it now

 

Kevin Couch, Connect2Educate – For

  • Have testified for both the House and Senate versions

 

JJ McGrath, Tekwav – For

  • Prefers the House’s simplified committee structure

 

Paul Naro, Self – For

  • Works for an internet service provider
  • Comptroller’s office is the right place to house the office

 

David C Stout, El Paso County – For

  • UTEP is working on a broadband feasibility study as well; would be valuable to the new office

CSHB 5 voted out to local and uncontested (6-0)