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 House Committee on Transportation
79th Legislature Interim Charges

Charge # 1: Review the regulation of utilities by the Texas Department of Transportation relating to utility access along the edge of the road right-of-way and placement of utility facilities along public road rights-of-way. Recommend strategies for the Public Utility Commission and the Department of Transportation to deliver assets of value to the state.

Charge # 2: Study the relationship between Texas Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Review the effectiveness and efficiency of the funding process for airports, and capacity needs for commercial and private demands. Examine further needs with regard to private and public airports.

Charge # 3: Examine the transportation planning and coordination of land use, including planning for large transportation corridors.

Charge # 4: Research and study the permissibility of rental car companies to sell used rental motor vehicles on credit union premises and other locations not continuously used for the conduct of used rental motor vehicle sales. Analyze comparative laws from other states permitting such sales by rental car companies on premises other than those owned by the rental car companies.

Charge # 5: Consider the rail relocation needs of the major metropolitan areas in Texas. Identify possible funding sources.

Charge # 6: Study the economic infrastructure of the state’s main trade corridors with special emphasis on the ability to enhance trade and transportation through increased use of technology. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Border and International Affairs)

Charge # 7: Study the current border and coastal transportation infrastructure and any enhancements needed to meet growing international trade and economic development. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Border and International Affairs)

Charge # 8: Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.

 Senate Interim Committee Charges
79th Legislature
Transportation & Homeland Security


1. Study and make recommendations for updating the state's overweight truck fees. Include an analysis and recommendations relating to the distribution of fees collected.

2. Monitor the impact of federal actions regarding the Patriot Act on homeland security activities in Texas. Make recommendations for statutory changes required to implement federal legislation and improve the efficiency of the process.

3. Study the implementation of Senate Bill 9, 79th Legislature, Regular Session, relating to homeland security, and make recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. Focus on implementation of provisions relating to mutual aid, including the need for a statewide compact, agricultural inspection stations, the health alert network, radio and computer interoperability and the protection of drinking water and of vital infrastructure. Assess the feasibility of establishing and operating a statewide public building mapping information system for state-owned buildings.

4. Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's ability to build, maintain, and relocate rail facilities. Monitor and report on the Departments ability to efficiently contract and provide funding for rail facility construction.

5. Evaluate and make recommendations relating to the naming of state highways and the criteria which should be followed in order to name a highway after a natural person. Include an analysis of criteria used in other states.

6. Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's programs designed to increase safety on all state transportation facilities.

7. Monitor ongoing federal, state and local efforts along the Texas Mexico border to combat criminal activity and prevent illegal border crossings. Study other border state activities in regard to the safety, efficiency and security of border crossings. Include an assessment of the impact of security measures on trade and vehicular and pedestrian commerce.

Joint Charge with Senate Business & Commerce Committee:
1. Study and make recommendations relating to the relocation of utilities from state owned right-of-way, including an assessment of the costs of relocations, possible funding sources and methods to decrease delays associated with relocation.

Joint Charges with Senate Finance Committee:
1. Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission allocates funds to the districts through the Allocation Program. Include a description of all scoring mechanisms used in making allocations of resources and make recommendations for maximizing the use of these funds to meet Legislative objectives.

2. Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission determines which federal funding sources should be implemented to comply with funding reductions mandated by Congress. Assess the Commission's options for determining how projects that were to be funded out of these reduced revenue sources will be funded this biennium.