The bill, H.B. No. 5346, introduces new provisions regarding the cessation of tolls by toll project entities in Texas. It adds a new Subchapter D to Chapter 372 of the Transportation Code, which defines "toll cessation date" and outlines the conditions under which tolls must cease. Specifically, tolls will end when the costs of a toll project have been fully paid, including all bonds and interest, or when sufficient funds for these payments are secured in a trust fund. Additionally, toll project entities are prohibited from amending financing agreements to extend the toll cessation date beyond the established timeline.

Furthermore, the bill allows toll project entities to extend the toll cessation date by five years through a majority vote in an election held prior to the cessation date. It mandates that the department notify the relevant county commissioners' courts of its intention to request an election for such an extension. If an extension is approved, the tolls will continue until the new cessation date, and if no further extensions are approved, the project will become part of the state highway system without tolls. The bill also repeals certain sections of the Transportation Code and makes amendments to ensure clarity regarding the ownership of toll projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 373.003, Transportation Code 284.008 (Transportation Code 284, Transportation Code 373)