Summary

Places limitations on the creation of toll roads. This bill has been branded the Tolls Transparency and Accountability Act.

Backgroun

Toll roads have increased in use in Texas in recent years.

Detail

* Requires local elected officials vote before toll revenues from one road can be used on any other road or transportation project.
* Creates a public oversight committee to review the revenues generated by toll roads.
* Requires local officials to vote before toll projects can be sold to, or built by, private or foreign corporations.
* Allows local jurisdictions to recoup money they contributed to a toll project, unless voters authorize bonds that go into that project or local elected officials vote publicly to contribute to the project.
* Places elected officials onto the boards of local toll road agencies. /1/

Political Context

This bill is companions with HB1574.

Additional Links

/1/ Watson, Kirk "For Whom the Bill Tolls" Watson Wire 2/16/07
McBlogger "Strama, Watson and Tolls (Oh My!)" 2/16/07