The bill, H.B. No. 255, amends the Transportation Code to enhance the powers of regional transportation authorities, particularly regarding the management and allocation of sales and use tax revenues. A new section, 452.204, establishes a General Mobility Program that allows a unit of election within an authority to enter into agreements with a subregional board to allocate up to 25% of its sales and use tax revenue for various mobility projects, including the construction and maintenance of sidewalks, trails, and roadways. The bill also stipulates that 50% of the allocated funds will be available at the start of the fiscal year, while the remaining 50% will be accessible on a reimbursement basis.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions related to the pledging of revenue for bond security and the use of excess revenue. It specifies that authorities can pledge no more than 75% of the revenue from imposed taxes and introduces a new requirement for the use of excess revenue to fund the General Mobility Program. The bill also revises the frequency of elections for withdrawal from the authority and introduces limitations on issuing obligations in certain circumstances. Overall, the legislation aims to provide regional transportation authorities with greater flexibility and resources to improve mobility infrastructure.

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