Be it enacted by the legislature of the state of texas

SECTION 13.02. Section 455.0015, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:

(b) It is the intent of the legislature that, whenever possible, and to the maximum extent feasible, the existing network of transportation providers, and in particular the fixed route components of the existing networks, be used to meet the client transportation requirements of the state's social service agencies and their agents. The legislature recognizes the contributions of nonprofit entities dedicated to providing social services and related activities and encourages the continued community involvement of these entities in this area. The legislature likewise recognizes the potential cost savings and other benefits of utilizing existing private sector transportation resources. The department will contract with and promote the use of private sector transportation resources to the maximum extent feasible consistent with the goals of this subsection.

(c) Each health and human services agency of this state shall contract with the department for the department to assume all responsibilities of the health and human services agency relating to the provision of transportation services for clients of eligible programs.

(d) The department may contract with any public or private transportation provider or with any regional transportation broker for the provision of public transportation services.

SECTION 13.03. Section 455.004, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 455.004. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) A public transportation advisory committee consisting of nine members shall:

(1) advise the commission on the needs and problems of the state's public transportation providers, including the methods for allocating state public transportation money;

(2) comment on rules involving public transportation during development of the rules and before the commission finally adopts the rules unless an emergency requires immediate commission action; [and]

(3) advise the commission on the implementation of Chapter 461; and

(b) The commission shall appoint members of the advisory committee. The membership of the committee shall [governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives each shall appoint three members of the committee. The appointing officers shall allocate among themselves the authority for appointment of members with different types of qualifications. The committee must] include:

(1) four members who [one member to] represent a diverse cross‑section of public transportation providers [in rural areas];

(2) three members who [one member to] represent a diverse cross‑section of transportation users [municipal transit systems in urban areas with populations of less than 200,000]; and

(3) two members who [one member to represent metropolitan transit authorities in urban areas with populations of 200,000 or more;

[(4) one member to represent transportation providers for persons with disabilities and the elderly; and

[(5) five members who have a knowledge of and interest in public transportation to] represent the general public.

(c) A member serves at the pleasure of the commission [officer appointing the member]. A member is not entitled to compensation for service on the committee but is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses the member incurs in performing committee duties.

(d) The public transportation advisory committee shall meet [quarterly or] as requested by the commission.

(e) The commission may adopt rules to govern the operation of the advisory committee.

SECTION 13.04. Section 461.012, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subsection (g) to read as follows:

(g) The commission shall contract with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Texas Department of Transportation to assume all responsibilities of the commission relating to the provision of transportation services for clients of eligible programs.

SECTION 13.05. Section 533.012, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 533.012. COOPERATION OF STATE AGENCIES. (a) At the department's request, all state departments, agencies, officers, and employees shall cooperate with the department in activities that are consistent with their functions.

(b) The department shall contract with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Texas Department of Transportation to assume all responsibilities of the department relating to the provision of transportation services for clients of eligible programs.

SECTION 13.06. Section 22.001, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

SECTION 13.07. Section 40.002, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:

SECTION 13.08. Section 91.021, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsection (g) to read as follows:

SECTION 13.09. Section 101.0256, Human Resources Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 101.0256. COORDINATED ACCESS TO LOCAL SERVICES. (a) The department and the Texas Department of Human Services shall develop standardized assessment procedures to share information on common clients served in a similar service region.

(b) The department shall contract with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Texas Department of Transportation to assume all responsibilities of the department relating to the provision of transportation services for clients of eligible programs.

SECTION 13.10. Section 111.0525, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:

SECTION 13.11. Section 301.063, Labor Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:

SECTION 13.12. It is the intent of the legislature that the provision of health and human services transportation through the Texas Department of Transportation will improve the delivery of transportation services to clients and enhance their access to transportation services. Furthermore, it is the intent of the legislature that these services be provided in a manner that will generate efficiencies in operation, control costs, and permit increased levels of service. The Texas Department of Transportation shall encourage cooperation and coordination among transportation providers, regional transportation brokers, and actual and potential clients in an effort to achieve the stated legislative goals.

SECTION 13.13. Any funds that are used by the Texas Department of Transportation to implement the transportation services provided in Sections 13.02, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08, 13.09, 13.10, and 13.11 shall be accounted for and budgeted separately from other funds appropriated to the Texas Department of Transportation for any other public transportation program or budget strategy.

ARTICLE 14. CONDITIONAL GRANT PROGRAM

SECTION 14.01. Section 56.141(4), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(4) "Eligible profession" means the profession of engineering or another profession as defined [identified] by [the] department rule for which the department determines there is a need [as having a significant statistical underrepresentation of minorities or women] in the department's workforce.

SECTION 14.02. Section 56.142(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The department shall establish and administer a conditional grant program under this subchapter to provide financial assistance to eligible [women and minority] students who agree to work for the department in an eligible profession for the two academic years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree.

SECTION 14.03. Section 56.143, Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 56.143. ELIGIBLE STUDENT. (a) To be eligible for a conditional grant under this subchapter, a student must:

(1) complete and file with the department, on forms prescribed by the department, a conditional grant application and a declaration of intent to become a member of an eligible profession and work for the department for the two academic years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree;

(2) enroll in an institution;

(3) be a Texas resident, as defined by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rule;

(4) be economically disadvantaged [a minority], as defined by department rule[, or a woman]; and

(5) have complied with any other requirements adopted by the department under this subchapter.

(b) In determining who should receive a grant under this program, the department:

(1) shall give highest priority to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need; and

(2) may consider whether the applicant would be the first generation of the applicant's family to attend or graduate from an undergraduate program or from a graduate or professional program.

SECTION 14.04. Section 56.147, Education Code, is amended by reenacting and amending Subsection (b), as amended by Chapters 151 and 165, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, and by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:

(b) The department shall issue not less than $400,000 annually in conditional grants under this subchapter from money available to fund the conditional grant program [gifts, grants, and funds described by Subsection (a)].

(c) The department may provide outreach programs to recruit students into the conditional grant program.

SECTION 14.05. The change in law made by this article does not affect the eligibility of a person awarded a grant under Subchapter I, Chapter 56, Education Code, before the effective date of this article to receive the grant or to participate in the conditional grant program under Subchapter I, Chapter 56, Education Code, as that subchapter existed when the person was awarded the grant, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

ARTICLE 15. TEXAS TURNPIKE AUTHORITY

SECTION 15.01. Section 201.112(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The commission may by rule establish procedures for the informal resolution of a claim arising out of a contract described by:

(1) Section 22.018;

(2) Chapter 223; [or]

(3) Chapter 361; or

SECTION 15.02. The heading to Chapter 361, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 361. STATE HIGHWAY [TEXAS] TURNPIKE PROJECTS

[AUTHORITY]

SECTION 15.03. Sections 361.001(2), (3), (4), and (5), Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:

(2) ["Board" means the board of directors of the authority.

[(3)] "Owner" includes a person having title to or an interest in any property, rights, easements, and interests authorized to be acquired under this chapter.

(3) [(4)] "Turnpike project" means a toll highway constructed, maintained, or operated under this chapter as part of the state highway system and any improvement, extension, or expansion to the highway and includes:

(A) a facility to relieve traffic congestion and promote safety;

(B) a bridge, tunnel, overpass, underpass, interchange, entrance plaza, approach, toll house, service road, ramp, or service station;

(C) an administration, storage, or other building the department [authority] considers necessary to operate the project;

(D) property rights, easements, and interests the department [authority] acquires to construct or operate the project;

(E) a parking area or structure, rest stop, park, and any other improvement or amenity the department [authority] considers necessary, useful, or beneficial for the operation of a turnpike project; and

(F) a toll‑free facility that is appurtenant to and necessary for the efficient operation of a turnpike project, including a service road, access road, ramp, interchange, bridge, or tunnel.

(4) [(5)] "Regional tollway authority" means a regional tollway authority created under Chapter 366.

SECTION 15.04. The heading to Subchapter B, Chapter 361, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER B. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS [TEXAS TURNPIKE

AUTHORITY]

SECTION 15.05. Section 361.031, Transportation Code, as amended by Chapters 920 and 1237, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, is reenacted and amended to read as follows:

Sec. 361.031. TEXAS TURNPIKE AUTHORITY. (a) The Texas Turnpike Authority is a division of the Texas Department of Transportation. The [that has full] authority is responsible for promoting and coordinating the development of turnpike projects under this chapter. The commission and the director shall assign duties to [exercise all powers granted to it under this chapter. Powers granted to the department under this chapter and Chapter 362 to study, design, construct, operate, expand, enlarge, or extend a turnpike project as a part of the state highway system shall be exercised by the department acting by and through] the authority and other offices of the department as appropriate for the proper administration of this chapter and other law.

(b) The exercise by the department [authority] of the powers conferred by this chapter in the construction, operation, and maintenance of a turnpike project is:

(1) in all respects for the benefit of the people of this state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions and public safety; and

(2) an essential governmental function of the state.

SECTION 15.06. Section 361.042, Transportation Code, is redesignated as Section 361.032, Transportation Code, and amended to read as follows:

Sec. 361.032 [361.042]. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The commission [board] shall[:

[(1) on its own initiative or at the request of the commission, consider, study, plan, and develop turnpike projects under this chapter;

[(2)] adopt rules for the implementation and administration of this chapter [regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business; and

[(3) undertake such other duties as are delegated to it by the commission].

(b) The department [authority] may:

(1) construct, maintain, repair, and operate turnpike projects in this state;

(2) acquire, hold, and dispose of property in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under this chapter;

(3) with the approval of the governor and the commission, enter into contracts or operating agreements with similar authorities or agencies of another state, including a state of the United Mexican States;

(4) enter into contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to its duties and powers under this chapter;

(5) employ consulting engineers, accountants, construction and financial experts, superintendents, managers, and other employees and agents the department [authority] considers necessary and set their compensation;

(6) [employ attorneys to advance or defend legal actions pertaining to the division's activities, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, including Section 402.0212, Government Code;

[(7)] receive grants for the construction of a turnpike project and receive contributions of money, property, labor, or other things of value from any source to be used for the purposes for which the grants or contributions are made;

(7) notwithstanding Chapter 2113, Government Code, [(8) adopt and enforce rules not inconsistent with this chapter for the use of any turnpike project, including rules establishing speed limits and maximum allowable vehicle and load weight limits for turnpike projects;

[(9)] engage in marketing, advertising, and other activities to promote the development and use of turnpike projects and may enter into contracts or agreements necessary to procure marketing, advertising, or other promotional services from outside service providers;

[(10) with the concurrence of the commission, form, develop, or utilize a corporation created under Chapter 431 for the promotion and development of turnpike projects;] and

(8) [(11)] do all things necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers expressly granted by this chapter.

SECTION 15.07. Section 361.054, Transportation Code, is redesignated as Section 361.033, Transportation Code, and amended to read as follows:

Sec. 361.033 [361.054]. AUDIT. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the department [authority] shall have an independent certified public accountant audit the department's [authority's] books and accounts for activities under this chapter at least annually. The audit shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of any trust agreement securing bonds issued under this chapter that is in effect at the time of the audit. The cost of the audit may be treated as part of the cost of construction or operation of a turnpike project. This section does not affect the ability of a state agency to audit the department's [authority's] books and accounts.

SECTION 15.08. The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 361, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER C. DEVELOPMENT [APPROVAL] OF TURNPIKE PROJECTS

SECTION 15.09. Section 361.101, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 361.101. DETERMINATION OF TURNPIKE PROJECTS. The department [authority] may:

(1) construct, maintain, repair, and operate a turnpike project to:

(A) facilitate vehicular traffic throughout this state;

(B) promote the agricultural and industrial development of this state;

(C) effect traffic safety; or

(D) improve connections between highways of this state, adjoining states, and the United Mexican States; and

(2) at any time determine to undertake a turnpike project, except that the commission by order must approve [the location of the project before] final designation.

SECTION 15.10. Section 361.103, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 361.103. APPLICATION OF OTHER LAW. All other law applicable to the department, the commission, or the state highway system shall apply to the development, construction, maintenance, and operation of a turnpike project under this chapter unless in conflict with a provision of this chapter. [ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. (a) The authority by rule shall provide for the authority's environmental review of turnpike projects. The rules must provide for:

[(1) public comment on environmental reviews of turnpike projects, including the types of projects for which public hearings are required, and a procedure for requesting a public hearing on an environmental review for which a public hearing is not required;

[(2) the environmental factors and impacts the authority will evaluate in its environmental reviews; and

[(3) environmental review of alternate routes for a proposed turnpike project.

[(b) The environmental review of a turnpike project must be conducted before the location or alignment of the project is adopted.

[(c) The commission must approve each environmental review under this section before construction of a turnpike project begins.

[(d) At least once during each five‑year period, the authority, after a public hearing, shall review the rules relating to environmental review and make appropriate changes.]

SECTION 15.11. Subchapter C, Chapter 361, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 361.104 to read as follows: