Relating to the operation of certain metropolitan transit authorities.
Summary
SB 1371 makes several targeted changes to the laws governing certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities in Texas, with the changes limited by population thresholds for the principal municipality served by the authority. First, it narrows a motor-fuel tax exemption rule for compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas delivered at refueling facilities accessible to the public, allowing the exemption in limited circumstances for facilities operated by a qualifying transit authority and used only for emergencies or other exigent circumstances under an interlocal agreement.
The bill also changes how fare and charge decisions take effect for certain transit authorities. For authorities in larger metropolitan areas under the bill’s population criteria, most fare and fee changes take effect immediately upon board approval, but any change to a single-ride base fare is delayed for 60 days unless the relevant metropolitan planning organization disapproves it by majority vote. In addition, the bill adjusts board service calculations for certain authority board members by excluding specific periods of service when determining length of service for board-term purposes, including service tied to filling an unexpired term before a first full term and service shortened because the member became presiding officer.
Impact
SB 1371 amends the Tax Code and Transportation Code to create narrower fuel-tax treatment for certain transit-authority-operated CNG/LNG refueling facilities, to alter the timing and review process for fare changes at qualifying metropolitan rapid transit authorities, and to modify board-term service calculations for some board members. The practical effect is to give affected transit authorities more specific operating rules while also adding a limited regional oversight check on single-ride fare increases and clarifying board tenure rules for eligibility and service-length determinations.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally supported, but not unanimously. It passed the Senate 30-0 and the House 109-37, indicating broad approval with some House opposition. The lack of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the voting pattern suggests the bill was viewed as a targeted transit-governance measure rather than a highly controversial overhaul.
Contention
The main points of contention likely centered on the fare-setting provisions and the degree of oversight they create, especially the 60-day delay and potential disapproval by a metropolitan planning organization for single-ride base fare changes. Another possible area of concern is the bill’s population-based distinctions, which apply only to certain transit authorities and may be seen as favoring or singling out specific regions. The board-service calculation changes may also have drawn attention because they affect governance and eligibility rules for authority board members.
Metropolitan Council abolished, duties transferred to commissioners of administration and natural resources, transportation and transit-related functions transferred to Department of Transportation, metropolitan area sanitary sewer district created, and money appropriated.
Relating to the withdrawal of a unit of election from certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities and the net financial obligation of that withdrawal.