Today after lengthy debate on the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Sunset bill, CSSB 655, the House tentatively approved the bill with 78 adopted floor amendments.
The major components of the TxDOT bill this year include requiring a 20-year statewide transportation plan, creating an inspector general’s office in the department, and hiring a chief financial officer to oversee finances at TxDOT.
Rep. Ruth Jones -McClendon offered an amendment to replace the current appointed five-member commission with a single elected commission. The amendment was tabled 118-18. The House later did approve an amendment offered by Rep. Joe Pickett which states the governor shall appoint 4 members, one which would be from a list of nominees from the Speaker of the House. The fifth member would be picked by the lieutenant governor.
Other amendments include an amendment by Rep. Larry Phillips to extend the authority of TxDOT on comprehensive development agreements (CDA’s). Although when the amendment was initially brought to the floor, it was tabled, Phillips brought back up the amendment again later in the debate. At that time the amendment to extend CDA authority passed with 101 ayes and 36 nays. Since the Legislature isn’t going to appropriate more dollars for transportation or raise the gas tax, “we have to be mindful of limitations and allow the local folks to do it,” said Rep. Eddie Lucio in support of the amendment.
The House also laid the groundwork for High Speed Rail in the future when it adopted another amendment proposed by Rep. Phillips which requires the department to develop safety standards for high speed rail (operating at speeds in excess of 185 miles per hour).
