AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _The House sponsor of a measure that would allow the state to continue contracting for privately built toll roads said he’s not sure the bill can pass before Friday, if at all.
State leaders have said they want to keep the special session short and hope to finish their business by Friday. But one of a trio of bills that Gov. Rick Perry wanted addressed may derail lawmakers’ hopes of being finished in time for the July 4 holiday on Saturday.
Officials said the toll road measure is only necessary to extend the timeline for toll road agreements made with private partnerships.
“The only reason we’re doing this is for private toll roads? That can’t be right,” Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, said during a committee hearing on the bill.
“Why is that so important but insurance reform is not? Or expanding the (Children’s Health Insurance) Program for 300,000 children is not?”
Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, the bill’s House sponsor, said he’s not sure the bill has enough support to pass, but lawmakers also could address it during their next regularly scheduled session in 2011.
The measure is having trouble in the Senate as well.
Several senators from North Texas were surprised to learn that three such projects already under way include one being built with federal stimulus money but drivers on a restricted lane will still pay tolls.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, suggested the bill may not pass his committee.
“I’m going to try, but it’s the first two (bills) that we have to pass,” Ogden said.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said the Senate may be open to a version of the contracts bill that is limited only to a few projects set to be finalized in the next two years before lawmakers return for the 2011 session.
Opponents of such contracts worry they take control away from local governments. Supporters say they are needed to finance road projects that might not otherwise get built.