Tepper Bill Gives The Speaker A Voting Seat On Every MPO Board

The text as introduced · 293 words

90R1362 JAM-D

By: Tepper
H.B. No. 282

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to legislative members of policy boards of metropolitan

planning organizations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 472, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 472.0315 to read as follows:

Sec. 472.0315. LEGISLATIVE MEMBERSHIP ON POLICY BOARD. (a)

Subject to Subsection (b), the policy board of a metropolitan

planning organization must contain one member who is a member of the

house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of

representatives. A member appointed under this section:

(1) must represent a legislative district located

wholly or partly in the boundaries of the metropolitan planning

organization;

(2) serves as a full voting member of the policy board

whose attendance counts toward establishing a quorum;

(3) serves a term on the policy board concurrent with

the member's term as a state representative, not to exceed two

years; and

(4) may be reappointed to serve consecutive terms.

(b) Service by a state representative on a policy board

under this section is voluntary. A policy board of a metropolitan

planning organization is not required to contain a state

representative under this section if no eligible representative is

willing to serve in the position.

(c) Subject to Subsection (b), the speaker of the house of

representatives shall fill a vacancy in a position described by

Subsection (a) by appointing another qualified state

representative for the unexpired term.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date

of this Act, the policy board of a metropolitan planning

organization shall amend the organization's bylaws to implement

Section 472.0315, Transportation Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.