Relating to the suspension of toll collection while an evacuation order is in effect.
Summary
HB 2297 would prohibit toll project entities from collecting tolls on toll roads located within an area covered by an evacuation order while that order remains in effect. The bill ties the toll suspension to evacuation orders issued under Section 418.108 of the Government Code, which is the state emergency-management authority used during evacuations. In practical terms, the measure is aimed at ensuring that drivers leaving an evacuation zone are not charged tolls for using toll facilities in the affected area.
The bill amends Chapter 372 of the Transportation Code by adding a new section that creates this temporary toll-collection prohibition. It applies only during the period of an active evacuation order and only to toll projects located in the designated evacuation area. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, if enacted.
Impact
HB 2297 would change Texas transportation law by adding a new restriction on toll collection during declared evacuations. Toll project entities, including public or private operators of toll roads, would be barred from charging tolls on facilities located in the evacuation zone for the duration of the evacuation order. The bill does not eliminate tolling generally; it creates a narrow emergency exception tied to state evacuation authority and would affect toll-road operations, revenue collection, and emergency evacuation traffic management in affected areas.
Sentiment
The available record suggests the bill was treated as a transportation and emergency-management measure rather than a controversial policy proposal. There are no recorded votes or committee transcripts showing debate, and the bill was left pending in subcommittee, indicating it had not advanced to a final committee decision. Based on the caption and text, the likely sentiment is generally supportive of easing evacuation travel burdens, with the measure framed as a public-safety accommodation during emergencies.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials, but potential concerns would likely center on lost toll revenue, administrative implementation, and whether the toll suspension should apply automatically or only in certain evacuation circumstances. Supporters would likely emphasize evacuation efficiency and fairness to motorists, while toll operators or fiscal stakeholders could question the financial and operational impact of suspending collections. Because there were no transcripts or recorded votes, no particular legislator or stakeholder position is identified in the record.