Just a few amendments to Senate Bill 312

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board was briefed on Texas Department of Transportation-related legislation at its April 10 meeting. The session included an update on a Sunset bill working its way through the legislature: Senate Bill 312. TxDOT Director of Government Affairs Jerry Haddican said the bill passed unanimously in the Texas Senate, with just a few amendments made on the floor. In his briefing, Haddican called for special attention to Section 18 of the bill, which would add a new section, 201.9992, to the transportation code. “This amendment would require TxDOT to adopt rules to align its funding forecasts and project recommendations criteria that would be in sync with project recommendation criteria developed by (metropolitan planning organizations).” Haddican said the amendment is something TxDOT will be considering rules on immediately. While the bill hasn’t yet been referred to a committee, Haddican said it will likely be suggested to the House Transportation Committee chaired by state Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria).