The bill, H.B. No. 2323, amends various sections of the Transportation Code to establish new regulations regarding the cessation of tolls by toll project entities under specific circumstances. It introduces Section 372.060, which mandates that a toll project must be maintained without tolls once the costs of acquisition and construction have been paid, and all associated bonds and interest have been settled. The bill outlines the conditions under which a toll project can transition to being part of the state highway system or a county road system, or continue to be maintained without tolls by the existing entity. Additionally, it prohibits toll project entities from amending financing agreements in a way that would extend the toll maintenance period.

The bill also includes several amendments and deletions to existing law, such as removing references to surplus revenue from toll projects and clarifying the sources of payment for toll revenue bonds. It repeals multiple sections of the Transportation Code that are no longer applicable under the new framework. Furthermore, the Texas Department of Transportation is tasked with conducting a study by September 1, 2026, to assess the costs associated with ceasing toll collections on highways, including identifying all toll roads and their projected maintenance costs once they are no longer tolled. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 228.012, Transportation Code 228.0055, Transportation Code 228.104, Transportation Code 228.105, Transportation Code 366.113, Transportation Code 370.113, Transportation Code 372.0535 (Transportation Code 372, Transportation Code 228, Transportation Code 366, Transportation Code 370)