6/16/05-Gov. Rick Perry signed a massive transportation bill into law June 14 that includes requiring public votes on the conversion of tax-funded highways in Texas into toll roads.
The bill is the follow-up legislation to a 300-plus-page measure signed into law in 2003 that radically changed Texas code by giving the state Transportation Department powers to build toll roads or convert free roads into “pay-to-play” roads.
The new law, previously HB2702, not only requires a public vote on any attempt by the state to convert a freeway to a tollway, but private operators of state-owned toll roads must get approval from TxDOT for how they will set toll rates.
It affects the Trans-Texas Corridor, a $184 billion pet project of Gov. Perry. Plans on the route call for thousands of miles of tollways, railways and utility lines across the state.
The state also would be required to provide access to the corridor where it intersects other state and federal highways.
In addition, the new law prohibits movers from hauling household goods for compensation in a vehicle of any size without registering with the state.
The new law takes effect Sept. 1.

5/31/05-The House and Senate voted May 29 to approve a massive transportation bill that includes requiring a public vote on the conversion of existing freeways in the state into toll roads.
The bill is the follow-up legislation to a 300-plus-page measure signed into law in 2003 that radically changed Texas code by giving the state Transportation Department powers to build toll roads or convert free roads into “pay-to-play” roads. It now moves to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature.
The bill – HB2702 – would not only require a public vote on any attempt by the state to convert a freeway to a tollway, but private operators of state-owned toll roads must get approval for how they will set toll rates. But the Texas Transportation Commission would not be required to set them.
It would affect the Trans-Texas Corridor, a $184 billion pet project of Gov. Rick Perry. Plans on the route call for thousands of miles of tollways, railways and utility lines crisscrossing the state.
The state also would be required to provide access to the corridor where it intersects other state and federal highways.
In addition, the bill would prohibit movers from hauling household goods for compensation in a vehicle of any size without registering with the state.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

5/23/05-The Senate unanimously approved a transportation bill May 21 that would require a public vote on the conversion of existing freeways in the state into toll roads.
The bill has been sent back to the House for approval of changes. If lawmakers can’t agree, a conference committee will meet to work out differences.
HB2702 is the follow-up legislation to a 300-plus page measure signed into law in 2003 that radically changed Texas code by giving the state Transportation Department powers to build toll roads or convert free roads into “pay-to-play” roads.
The Senate-approved version of the bill would not only require a public vote on any attempt by the state to convert a freeway to tollway, but if any local governments tried to do it, a county commissioners’ court would need to sign off on it.
The bill would affect the Trans-Texas Corridor, a $184 billion pet project of Gov. Rick Perry. Plans on the route call for thousands of miles of tollways, railways and utility lines crisscrossing the state.
The state also would be required to provide access to the corridor where it intersects other state and federal highways.
In addition, the bill would prohibit movers from hauling household goods for compensation in a vehicle of any size without registering with the state.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.