H.B. No. 255 proposes amendments to the Transportation Code regarding the powers of regional transportation authorities, specifically introducing a new General Mobility Program. Under the new Section 452.204, units of election within an authority governed by a subregional board can enter into agreements to allocate up to 25% of their sales and use tax revenue for mobility projects, which may include constructing and maintaining various transportation infrastructures such as sidewalks, streets, and drainage improvements. The bill also stipulates that these units must provide an annual list of intended projects and outlines the distribution of funds, with 50% available at the start of the fiscal year and the remainder on a reimbursement basis.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections to clarify the use of revenue and the conditions under which authorities can issue bonds. It specifies that revenue exceeding pledged amounts can be used for operating expenses, reserves, and the new mobility program. The bill also modifies the frequency of elections for withdrawal from the authority and introduces a provision that restricts the issuance of obligations by the authority upon receiving a notice of election until certain conditions are met. Overall, the bill aims to enhance local transportation funding and project management while ensuring financial accountability within regional transportation authorities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 452.357, Transportation Code 452.358, Transportation Code 452.651 (Transportation Code 452)