AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The House has adopted an amendment that would change oversight of the Texas Department of Transportation from a five-member appointed board to one statewide elected commissioner.
The sweeping TxDOT overhaul would also call for the election of 14 regional commissioners and would ban any future red light camera systems from being implemented.
Just before midnight last night, the House cut off debate on the bill without a vote and planned to return early Friday morning.
A late-night amendment was attached to the bill that would prohibit the state or local governments from adding automated cameras at intersections to catch traffic violations.
Contracts for current red light cameras also could not be renewed once the bill becomes effective.
Another amendment lawmakers adopted would require contractors for roads projects to pay damages to businesses that have been adversely affected by project delays.