The 84th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature is behind us, with many new bills having passed and many more not. This puts us squarely in the period known as The Interim, the time between regular sessions when Legislators identify important policy issues and study them in depth.
As illustrated by the sheer number of bills filed and passed, the amount of media coverage, and the statements of top elected officials, transportation continues to be a focus for policy makers. In addition to passing significant legislation to improve mobility, including a major funding initiative to be placed before the voters, the Texas Legislature in 2015 created multiple committees to continue their efforts on several fronts. Committees have already started their work to smooth the implementation of new laws, identify gaps in theory and practice, and begin the process for any necessary legislation to be considered in 2017.
Here at the TTI’s Transportation Policy Research Center, we will be following the transportation-related activity closely. Some studies will involve hearings where we will provide testimony; others, research. You can follow along on our 84th Interim page. Our goal is to have one place where the hearings and related reports can be easily found. Two committees have already started meeting, and you can find information about the members and hearings, including formal posting, testimony submitted, and video. More committees will soon be meeting. The page will be updated as information becomes available.
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