The bill amends various sections of the Transportation Code to establish new provisions regarding the cessation of tolls on toll projects under certain conditions. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 372.060, which stipulates that a toll project will become part of the state highway system and will be maintained without tolls once the costs of acquisition and construction have been fully paid, and all associated bonds and interest have been settled. Additionally, it prohibits toll project entities from amending financing agreements in a way that would delay this transition to the state highway system.

The bill also makes several deletions and amendments to existing sections, including the removal of references to surplus revenue from toll projects and the repeal of certain sections that are no longer applicable. Notably, it eliminates the ability to use surplus revenue from one project to fund another, thereby ensuring that each toll project’s finances remain separate. The changes aim to clarify the financial responsibilities and processes related to toll projects, ultimately facilitating a smoother transition to state maintenance once financial obligations are 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 373.003 (Transportation Code 228, Transportation Code 372, Transportation Code 370, Transportation Code 366, Transportation Code 373)