5/20/07-Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed a bill – HB1892 – that was intended to buy the state more time to review the effects of handing over roadways to private groups. A revised effort – SB792 – however, is on the governor’s desk.

5/2/07-The House voted 139-1 Wednesday, May 2, to give final approval to a bill that is intended to buy the state more time to review the effects of handing over roadways to private groups. The vote cleared the way for the bill to move to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk.
HB1892 would place a two-year moratorium on toll road leases with private groups. It also would require a study of the long-term effects of public-private partnerships.
Perry, who has touted the benefits of his proposed Trans-Texas Corridor project, had urged lawmakers to reject the freeze but has stopped short of promising a veto. The margin of approval in the House showed it has more than enough support to withstand an attempt by the governor to kill it. The Senate vote of 27-4 in favor also is more than the two-thirds majority that would be needed for an override.
The moratorium would exempt projects in Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and El Paso. Advocates of the exemptions say the affected regions can’t afford a delay in relieving traffic congestion.
Regional authorities also would be given more say about local projects. Another provision in the bill would reduce the maximum length of leasing contracts from 70 years to 40 years.
A formula also would be set up for the state to buy back roads and limit clauses that restrict new roads that compete with toll roads.
The governor has 10 days to decide whether to sign the bill, let it become law without his signature, or veto it. If he chooses to use his veto stamp, lawmakers would have some time before the scheduled May 28 adjournment for a veto-override vote.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

5/1/07-The Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Monday, April 30, that is intended to buy the state more time to review the effects of handing over roadways to private groups. It now heads back to the House for approval of changes.
HB1892 would place a two-year moratorium on toll road leases with private groups. It also would require a study of the long-term effects of public-private partnerships.
The moratorium would exempt projects in Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and El Paso.
Regional authorities also would be given more say about local projects. Another provision in the bill would cap the length of leasing contracts at 40 years. Texas law now allows for contracts to run up to 70 years.
A formula also would be set up for the state to buy back roads and limit clauses that restrict new roads that compete with toll roads.
House lawmakers are expected to take up the revised bill this week. If approved, the governor would have 10 days to decide whether to sign the bill, let it become law without his signature, or veto it. If he chooses to use his veto stamp, lawmakers would have some time before the scheduled May 28 adjournment for a veto-override vote.
The margins of support in both chambers have been more than enough to suggest the bill would be able to withstand a veto.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

4/19/07-The Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee unanimously approved a bill that includes a provision that would place a two-year moratorium several projects in North Texas.
HB1892 also would prohibit the sale or lease of existing toll roads to private interests.
The bill, which already passed the House, now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

4/12/07-The House voted 134-5 to approve a bill that includes a provision that would place a two-year moratorium on private toll roads.
HB1892 also would prohibit the sale or lease of existing toll roads to private interests.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.