AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Voters in at least 12 large counties could impose taxes on themselves to build road, bridge and rail projects under a bill approved by the Texas Senate.
The proposal would allow county gasoline taxes and other assorted fees on parking, drivers’ licenses and vehicle registrations. It also would allow for a “Texas new resident roadway impact fee” of up to $250 on vehicles that were previously registered out of state.
The bill is still a long way from final passage.
It faces another Senate vote, probably Tuesday, and an uncertain fate in the Texas House. Senate officials said the vote was 23-8, but it was unclear if the tally was accurate because at least two senators were not seen on the floor during the vote.
All the money-raising proposals and the transportation projects would have to be approved by local voters. Harris County, where Houston is located, is exempted from the bill, which sparked heated discussions in the Senate last night.