STATE HIGHWAY TOLL PROJECTS

Tex. TRANSP Code ch. 228
in effect

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.001. DEFINITIONS.

In this chapter: (1) "Air quality project" means a project or program of the department or another governmental entity that the commission determines will mitigate or prevent air pollution caused by the construction, maintenance, or use of public roads. (2) "Bond" means bonds, notes, or other obligations issued under Subchapter C or another law with respect to a toll project or system. (3) "Region" means: (A) a metropolitan statistical area and any county contiguous to that metropolitan statistical area; or (B) two adjacent districts of the department. (3-a) "Registered owner" means an owner as defined in Section 502.001 . (4) "System" means a toll project or any combination of toll projects designated as a system under Section 228.010 . (5) "Toll project" has the meaning assigned by Section 201.001 (b). (6) "Transportation project" means: (A) a tolled or nontolled state highway improvement project; (B) a toll project eligible for department cost participation under Section 222.103 ; (C) the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or operation of a rail facility or system under Chapter 91 ; (D) the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or operation of a state-owned ferry under Subchapter A , Chapter 342 ; (E) a public transportation project under Chapter 455 or 456 ; (F) the establishment, construction, or repair of an aviation facility under Chapter 21 ; and (G) a passenger rail project of another governmental entity. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.001 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.34, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 959 ), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.002. AGREEMENTS WITH PUBLIC ENTITIES.

(a) The department may enter into an agreement with a public entity to permit the entity, independently or jointly with the department, to design, develop, finance, construct, maintain, repair, or operate a toll project. (b) An agreement entered into under this section with a regional tollway authority governed by Chapter 366 may provide that a function described by Subsection (a) that is performed by a regional tollway authority is governed by the provisions of Chapter 366 applicable to the performance of the same function for a turnpike project under that chapter and the rules and procedures adopted by the regional tollway authority under that chapter, in lieu of the laws, rules, or procedures applicable to the department for the performance of the same function. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.301 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.34, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.003. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES.

(a) The department may, with the approval of the commission, enter into an agreement with another governmental agency or entity, including a federal agency, an agency of this or another state, including the United Mexican States or a state of the United Mexican States, or a political subdivision, to independently or jointly provide services, to study the feasibility of a toll project, or to finance, construct, operate, and maintain a toll project. The department must obtain the approval of the governor to enter into an agreement with an agency of another state, the United Mexican States, or a state of the United Mexican States. (b) If the department enters into an agreement with a private entity, including a comprehensive development agreement under Subchapter E , Chapter 223 , the department and the private entity may jointly enter into an agreement under Subsection (a). Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.307 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.34, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.004. PROMOTION OF TOLL PROJECT.

The department may, notwithstanding Chapter 2113 , Government Code, engage in marketing, advertising, and other activities to promote the development and use of toll projects and may enter into contracts or agreements necessary to procure marketing, advertising, or other promotional services from outside service providers. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.032 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.34, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.005. REVENUE OF TOLL PROJECT OR SYSTEM.

Except as provided by Subchapter C, toll revenue or other revenue derived from a toll project or system that is collected or received by the department under this chapter, and a payment received by the department under a comprehensive development agreement for a toll project or system: (1) shall be deposited in the state highway fund; and (2) is exempt from the application of Section 403.095 , Government Code. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.35, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.006. USE OF SURPLUS REVENUE.

(a) The commission shall authorize the use of surplus revenue of a toll project or system to pay the costs of a transportation project, highway project, or air quality project within a region in which any part of the toll project is located. (a-1) The department shall allocate the distribution of the surplus toll revenue to department districts in the region that are located in the boundaries of the metropolitan planning organization in which the toll project or system producing the surplus revenue is located based on the percentage of toll revenue from users in each department district of the project or system. To assist the department in determining the allocation, each entity responsible for collecting tolls for a project or system shall calculate on an annual basis the percentage of toll revenue from users of the project or system in each department district based on the number of recorded electronic toll collections. (b) The commission may not revise the formula as provided in the department's unified transportation program, or its successor document, in a manner that results in a decrease of a district's allocation because of a payment under Subsection (a). (c) The commission may not take an action under this section that violates, impairs, or is inconsistent with a bond order, trust agreement, or indenture governing the use of the surplus revenue. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.189 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.36, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1196 (S.B. 19 ), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.007. TOLL LANES.

(a) Subject to Section 228.201 , the commission may by order authorize the department to charge a toll for the use of one or more lanes of a state highway, including a high occupancy vehicle lane designated under Section 224.153 or an exclusive lane designated under Section 224.1541 . (b) If the commission authorizes the department to charge a toll under Subsection (a), the department may enter into an agreement with a regional tollway authority described in Chapter 366 , a transit authority described in Chapter 451 , 452 , or 453 , a coordinated county transportation authority under Chapter 460 , a regional mobility authority under Chapter 370 , a county acting under Chapter 284 , or a transportation corporation: (1) to design, construct, operate, or maintain a toll lane under this section; and (2) to charge a toll for the use of one or more lanes of a state highway facility under this section. (c) The commission may by order authorize the department or the entity contracted to operate the toll lane to set the amount of toll charges. Any toll charges shall be imposed in a reasonable and nondiscriminatory manner. (d) Revenue generated from toll charges and collection fees assessed by an entity with whom the department contracts under this section shall be allocated as required by the terms of the agreement. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.24, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1049, Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2003. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 224.154 by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.36, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.008. TOLLS ON EXCLUSIVE LANE.

The department may not charge a toll for the use of an exclusive lane unless: (1) the lanes or multilane facility adjacent to the exclusive lane is tolled; or (2) a vehicle that is authorized to use the tolled exclusive lane is authorized to use nontolled adjacent lanes or an adjacent nontolled multilane facility. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 224.1541(d) and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.37, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.009. AUDIT.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the department shall have an independent certified public accountant audit the department's books and accounts for each toll project or system at least annually. The audit shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of any trust agreement securing bonds issued under Subchapter C 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 toll project or system. This section does not affect the ability of a state agency to audit the department's books and accounts. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.033 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.38, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.010. ESTABLISHMENT OF TOLL SYSTEMS.

(a) If the commission determines that the mobility needs of a region of this state could be most efficiently and economically met by jointly operating two or more toll projects in that region as one operational and financial enterprise, it may create a system composed of those projects. The commission may create more than one system in a region and may combine two or more systems in a region into one system. The department may finance, acquire, construct, and operate additional toll projects in the region as additions to or expansions of a system if the commission determines that the toll project could most efficiently and economically be acquired or constructed if it were part of the system and that the addition will benefit the system. (b) The revenue of a system shall be accounted for separately and may not be commingled with the revenue of a toll project that is not part of the system or with the revenue of another system. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.39, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.011. TOLL PROJECTS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.

(a) This section applies only to a county acting under Chapter 284 for: (1) the widening, expansion, reconstruction, and continued operation of existing toll projects of the county; or (2) the development, construction, and operation of all or a portion of any of the following toll projects, a component of that project, or the functional equivalent of that project: (A) Beltway 8 Tollway East, between US 59 North and US 90 East; (B) Hardy Downtown Connector, consisting of the proposed direct connection from the Hardy Toll Road southern terminus at Loop 610 to downtown Houston; (C) State Highway 288, between US 59 and Grand Parkway South (State Highway 99); (D) US 290 Toll Lanes, between IH 610 West and the Grand Parkway Northwest (State Highway 99); (E) Fairmont Parkway East, between Beltway 8 East and Grand Parkway East (State Highway 99); (F) South Post Oak Road Extension, between IH 610 South and near the intersection of Beltway 8 and Hillcroft in the vicinity of the Fort Bend Parkway Tollway; (G) Westpark Toll Road Phase II, between Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) and FM 1463; (H) Fort Bend Parkway, between State Highway 6 and the Brazos River; and (I) Montgomery County Parkway, between State Highway 242 and the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99), and if the Grand Parkway project has not begun construction, a nontolled extension of the Montgomery County Parkway to allow a connection to Interstate Highway 45. (b) The county is the entity with the primary responsibility for the financing, construction, and operation of a toll project located in the county. A county may develop, construct, and operate a project described in Subsection (a) at any time, regardless of whether it receives a first option notice from the commission or the department under Subsection (e). (b-1) Consistent with federal law, the department shall assist the county in the financing, construction, and operation of a toll project in the county by allowing the county to use state highway right-of-way owned by the department and to access the state highway system. The commission or the department may not require the county to pay for the use of the right-of-way or access, except to reimburse the department as provided by this subsection. The county shall pay an amount to reimburse the department for the department's actual costs to acquire the right-of-way. If the department cannot determine that amount, the amount shall be determined based on the average historical right-of-way acquisition values for right-of-way located in proximity to the project on the date of original acquisition of the right-of-way. Money received by the department under this subsection shall be deposited in the state highway fund and used in the department district in which the project is located. (c) The department and the county must enter into an agreement that includes reasonable terms to accommodate the use of the right-of-way by the county and to protect the interests of the commission and the department in the use of the right-of-way for operations of the department, including public safety and congestion mitigation on the right-of-way. (d) Subsection (b) does not limit the authority of the commission or the department to participate in the cost of acquiring, constructing, maintaining, or operating a project of the county under Chapter 284 . (e) Before the department may enter into a contract for the financing, construction, or operation of a proposed or existing toll project any part of which is located in the county, the commission or department shall provide the county the first option to finance, construct, or operate, as applicable, the portion of the toll project located in the county: (1) on terms agreeable to the county; and (2) in a manner determined by the county to be consistent with the practices and procedures by which the county finances, constructs, or operates a project. (f) A county's right to exercise the first option under Subsection (e) is effective for six months after the date of the receipt by the county of written notice from the commission or the department meeting the requirements of Subsection (e) and describing in reasonable detail the location of the toll project, a projected cost estimate, sources and uses of funds, and a construction schedule. If a county exercises the first option with respect to a toll project, the county must enter into one or more contracts for the financing, construction, or operation of the toll project within two years after the date on which all environmental requirements necessary for the development of the project are secured and all legal challenges to development are concluded. A contract may include agreements for design of the project, acquisition of right-of-way, and utility relocation. If the county does not enter into a contract during the two-year period, the commission or the department may enter into a contract for the financing, construction, or operation of the toll project with a different entity. (g) An agreement entered into by the county and the department in connection with a project under Chapter 284 that is financed, constructed, or operated by the county and that is on or directly connected to a highway in the state highway system does not create a joint enterprise for liability purposes. (h) If the county approves, the commission may remove any right-of-way to be used by a county under this section from the state highway system. If the right-of-way used by a county under this section remains part of the state highway system, the county must comply with department design and construction standards. (i) Notwithstanding an action of a county taken under this section, the commission or department may take any action that is necessary in its reasonable judgment to comply with any federal requirement to enable this state to receive federal-aid highway funds. (j) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission and the department are not liable for any damages that result from a county's use of state highway right-of-way or access to the state highway system under this section, regardless of the legal theory, statute, or cause of action under which liability is asserted. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 264 (S.B. 792 ), Sec. 7.01, eff. June 11, 2007. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1196 (S.B. 19 ), Sec. 3, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.012. PROJECT SUBACCOUNTS.

(a) The department shall create a separate account in the state highway fund to hold payments received by the department under a comprehensive development agreement and the surplus revenue of a toll project or system. The department shall create subaccounts in the account for each project, system, or region. Interest earned on money in a subaccount shall be deposited to the credit of that subaccount. (b) The department shall hold money in a subaccount in trust for the benefit of the region in which a project or system is located and may assign the responsibility for allocating money in a subaccount to a metropolitan planning organization in which the region is located for projects approved by the department. At the time the project is approved by the department money shall be allocated and distributed to projects authorized by Section 228.0055 or Section 228.006 , as applicable. (c) Repealed by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 856 (S.B. 800 ), Sec. 25(18), eff. September 1, 2021. (d) The commission or the department may not: (1) revise the formula as provided in the department's unified transportation program or a successor document in a manner that results in a decrease of a department district's allocation because of the deposit of a payment into a project subaccount; or (2) take any other action that would reduce funding allocated to a department district because of the deposit of a payment into a project subaccount. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 264 (S.B. 792 ), Sec. 7.01, eff. June 11, 2007. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1196 (S.B. 19 ), Sec. 4, eff. June 17, 2011. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420 ), Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2011. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59 ), Sec. 92, eff. September 1, 2013.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.013. DETERMINATION OF FINANCIAL TERMS FOR CERTAIN TOLL PROJECTS.

(a) This section applies only to a proposed department toll project in which a private entity has a financial interest in the project's performance and for which: (1) funds dedicated to or controlled by a region will be used; (2) right-of-way is provided by a municipality or county; or (3) revenues dedicated to or controlled by a municipality or county will be used. (b) The distribution of a project's financial risk, the method of financing for a project, and the tolling structure and methodology must be determined by a committee consisting of the following members: (1) a representative of the department; (2) a representative of any local toll project entity, as defined by Section 371.001 , for the area in which the project is located; (3) a representative of the applicable metropolitan planning organization; and (4) a representative of each municipality or county that has provided revenue or right-of-way as described by Subsection (a). Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420 ), Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011. SUBCHAPTER B. USE AND OPERATION OF TOLL PROJECTS OR SYSTEMS

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.0031. AGREEMENTS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

(a) In this section, "local government" means a: (1) county, municipality, special district, or other political subdivision of this state; (2) local government corporation created under Subchapter D , Chapter 431 ; or (3) combination of two or more entities described by Subdivision (1) or (2). (b) A local government may enter into an agreement with the department or a private entity under which the local government assists in the financing of the construction, maintenance, and operation of a turnpike project located in the government's jurisdiction in return for a percentage of the revenue from the project. (c) A local government may use any revenue available for road purposes, including bond and tax proceeds, to provide financing under Subsection (b). (d) An agreement under this section between a local government and a private entity must be approved by the department. (e) Revenue received by a local government under an agreement under this section must be used for transportation purposes. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1297 (H.B. 2650 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.308 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969 ), Sec. 23.002, eff. September 1, 2009.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.051. DESIGNATION.

Subject to Section 228.201 , the commission by order may designate one or more lanes of a segment of the state highway system as a toll project or system. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.40, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.052. OPERATION OF TOLL PROJECT OR SYSTEM.

(a) The department may enter into an agreement with one or more persons to provide, on terms approved by the department, personnel, equipment, systems, facilities, and services necessary to operate a toll project or system, including the operation of toll plazas and lanes and customer service centers and the collection of tolls. (b) A person that enters into an agreement with the department to provide services for a customer to pay an amount on an electronic toll collection customer account at a location other than a department office may collect from the customer a service charge in addition to the amount paid on the account. (c) The commission by rule shall set the maximum amount a person may collect as a service charge under Subsection (b), which may not exceed $3 for a payment transaction. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.40, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.053. REVENUE.

(a) The department may: (1) impose tolls for the use of each toll project or system and the different segments or parts of each project or system; and (2) notwithstanding anything in Chapter 202 to the contrary, contract with a person for the use of part of a toll project or system or lease part of a toll project or system for a gas station, garage, store, hotel, restaurant, railroad tracks, utilities, and telecommunications facilities and equipment and set the terms for the use or lease. (b) The tolls shall be set so that, at a minimum, the aggregate of tolls from the toll project or system: (1) provides a fund sufficient with other revenue and contributions, if any, to pay: (A) the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the project or system; and (B) the principal of and interest on the bonds issued under Subchapter C for the project or system as those bonds become due and payable; and (2) creates reserves for the purposes listed under Subdivision (1). (c) The tolls are not subject to supervision or regulation by any other state agency. (d) The tolls and other revenue derived from the toll project or system for which bonds were issued, except the part necessary to pay the cost of maintenance, repair, and operation and to provide reserves for those costs as may be provided in the order authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, shall be set aside at regular intervals as may be provided in the order or trust agreement in a sinking fund that is pledged to and charged with the payment of: (1) interest on the bonds as it becomes due; (2) principal of the bonds as it becomes due; (3) necessary charges of paying agents for paying principal and interest; and (4) the redemption price or the purchase price of bonds retired by call or purchase as provided by the bonds. (e) Use and disposition of money to the credit of the sinking fund are subject to the order authorizing the issuance of the bonds or to the trust agreement. (f) The revenue and disbursements for each toll project or system shall be kept separately. The revenue from one project may not be used to pay the cost of another project except as authorized by Sections 228.0055 and 228.006 . (g) Money in the sinking fund, less the reserve provided by the order or trust agreement, if not used within a reasonable time to purchase bonds for cancellation, shall be applied to the redemption of bonds at the applicable redemption price. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.179 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.41, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.054. TOLL PAYMENT REQUIRED; EMERGENCY VEHICLES EXEMPT.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (e), the operator of a vehicle, other than an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined by Section 541.201 , that is driven or towed through a toll collection facility shall pay the proper toll. The exemption from payment of a toll for an authorized emergency vehicle applies regardless of whether the vehicle is: (1) responding to an emergency; (2) displaying a flashing light; or (3) marked as an emergency vehicle. (b) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (c) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (d) In this section, "authorized emergency vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201 . (e) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the department may waive the requirement of the payment of a toll or may authorize the payment of a reduced toll for any vehicle or class of vehicles. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.252 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.41, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 959 ), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.0055. USE OF CONTRACT PAYMENTS AND OTHER REVENUE.

(a) Payments, project savings, refinancing dividends, and any other revenue received by the commission or the department under a comprehensive development agreement shall be used by the commission or the department to finance the construction, maintenance, or operation of transportation projects or air quality projects in the region. (b) The department shall allocate the distribution of funds to department districts in the region that are located in the boundaries of the metropolitan planning organization in which the project that is the subject of the comprehensive development agreement is located based on the percentage of toll revenue from users from each department district of the project. To assist the department in determining the allocation, each entity responsible for collecting tolls for a project shall calculate on an annual basis the percentage of toll revenue from users of the project from each department district based on the number of recorded electronic toll collections. (c) The commission or the department may not: (1) revise the formula as provided in the department's unified transportation program, or its successor document, in a manner that results in a decrease of a department district's allocation because of a payment under Subsection (a); or (2) take any other action that would reduce funding allocated to a department district because of payments received under a comprehensive development agreement. (d) A metropolitan planning organization may not take any action that would reduce distribution of funds or other resources to a department district because of the use of a payment or other revenue under Subsection (a). Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.35, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.055. EXCEPTIONS FOR LEASED OR TRANSFERRED VEHICLE.

(a) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (b) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (c) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (d) It is an exception to liability of a vehicle's registered owner for a toll incurred by the vehicle if the registered owner of the vehicle is a lessor of the vehicle and not later than the 30th day after the date the invoice containing an assessment of the toll is mailed provides to the department: (1) a copy of the rental, lease, or other contract document covering the vehicle on the date the toll was incurred, with the name and address of the lessee clearly legible; or (2) electronic data, in a format agreed on by the department and the lessor, other than a photocopy or scan of a rental or lease contract, that contains the information required under Sections 521.460 (c)(1), (2), and (3) covering the vehicle on the date the toll was incurred. (d-1) If the lessor provides the required information within the period prescribed under Subsection (d), the department may send an invoice to the lessee at the address provided under Subsection (d) by first class mail before the 30th day after the date of receipt of the required information from the lessor. (e) It is an exception to liability of a vehicle's registered owner for a toll incurred by the vehicle if the registered owner of the vehicle transferred ownership of the vehicle to another person before the toll was incurred, submitted written notice of the transfer to the department in accordance with Section 501.147 , and, before the 30th day after the date the invoice is mailed, provides to the department the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle was transferred. If the former owner of the vehicle provides the required information within the period prescribed, the department may send an invoice to the person to whom ownership of the vehicle was transferred at the address provided by the former owner by first class mail before the 30th day after the date of receipt of the required information from the former owner. The department may send all subsequent invoices associated with the vehicle to the person to whom ownership of the vehicle was transferred at the address provided by the former owner or an alternate address provided by the subsequent owner or derived through other reliable means. (f) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (g) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (h) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (i) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 872, Sec. 2.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1246, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 312, Sec. 49, eff. June 18, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.47, eff. June 21, 2003. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.253 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.41, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 918 (H.B. 2983 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097 ), Sec. 2B.01, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 959 ), Sec. 4, eff. June 17, 2011. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093 ), Sec. 20.002, eff. September 1, 2013.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.056. PRESUMPTIONS; PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE; DEFENSES.

(a) In the prosecution of an offense under Section 228.0547 , proof that the vehicle was driven or towed through the toll collection facility without payment of the proper toll may be shown by a video recording, photograph, electronic recording, or other appropriate evidence, including evidence obtained by automated enforcement technology. (b) In the prosecution of an offense under Section 228.0547 : (1) it is presumed that the invoice containing the assessment for the toll was received on the fifth day after the date of mailing; (2) a computer record of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles of the registered owner of the vehicle is prima facie evidence of its contents and that the defendant was the registered owner of the vehicle when the toll was incurred; and (3) a copy of the rental, lease, or other contract document, or the electronic data provided to the department under Section 228.055 (d), covering the vehicle on the date the toll was incurred is prima facie evidence of its contents and that the defendant was the lessee of the vehicle when the toll was incurred. (c) It is a defense to prosecution under Section 228.0547 that the motor vehicle in question was stolen before the toll was incurred and had not been recovered before the toll was incurred, but only if the theft was reported to the appropriate law enforcement authority before the earlier of: (1) the time the toll was incurred; or (2) eight hours after the discovery of the theft. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 872, Sec. 2.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1246, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.254 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.41, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 918 (H.B. 2983 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097 ), Sec. 2B.02, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 959 ), Sec. 5, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.057. ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION.

(a) For purposes of this section, a "transponder" means a device, placed on or within an automobile, that is capable of transmitting information used to assess or to collect tolls. A transponder is "insufficiently funded" when there are no remaining funds in the account in connection with which the transponder was issued. (b) Any peace officer of this state may seize a stolen or insufficiently funded transponder and return it to the department, except that an insufficiently funded transponder may not be seized sooner than the 30th day after the date the department has sent a notice of delinquency to the holder of the account. (c) The department may enter into an agreement with one or more persons to market and sell transponders for use on department toll roads. (d) The department may charge reasonable fees for administering electronic toll collection customer accounts. (e) Electronic toll collection customer account information, including contact and payment information and trip data, is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552 , Government Code. (f) A contract for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or operation of a toll project must ensure the confidentiality of all electronic toll collection customer account information under Subsection (e). (g) The department may, following closure of an electronic toll collection customer account and at the request of the account holder, refund the balance of funds in the account after satisfaction of any outstanding tolls and fees. (h) The department may enter into an agreement with a governmental or private entity regarding the use of a transponder issued by the department and the corresponding electronic toll collection customer account to pay for parking services offered by the entity. (i) The department shall provide electronic toll collection customers with an option to authorize automatic payment of tolls through the withdrawal of funds from the customer's bank account. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 872, Sec. 2.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1246, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 312, Sec. 50, eff. June 18, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.48, eff. June 21, 2003. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.255 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.41, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 959 ), Sec. 6, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.058. AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY.

(a) To aid in the collection of tolls and in the enforcement of toll violations, the department may use automated enforcement technology that it determines is necessary, including automatic vehicle license plate identification photography and video surveillance, by electronic imaging or photographic copying. (b) Automated enforcement technology approved by the department under Subsection (a) may be used only for the purpose of producing, depicting, photographing, or recording an image that depicts that portion of a vehicle necessary to establish the classification of vehicle and the proper toll to be charged, the license plate number, and the state of registration, including an image: (1) of a license plate attached to the front or rear of a vehicle; and (2) showing the vehicle dimensions, the presence of a trailer, and the number of axles. (c) This section does not authorize the use of automated enforcement technology for any other purpose. (d) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258, Sec. 4.07, eff. September 1, 2007. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1246, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 312, Sec. 51, eff. June 18, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.49, eff. June 21, 2003. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.256 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.41, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 959 ), Sec. 7, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.059. TOLL COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT BY OTHER ENTITY.

(a) An entity operating a toll lane pursuant to Section 228.007 (b) or under an agreement under Subchapter E , Chapter 223 , has, with regard to toll collection and enforcement for that toll lane, the same powers and duties as the department under this chapter, except as provided by Subsection (b). The entity may use revenues for improvement, extension, expansion, or maintenance of the toll lane. (b) Notwithstanding Sections 228.0545 , 228.0546 , and 228.0547 or other law, a toll collected pursuant to an agreement for tolling services with a toll project entity, as defined by Section 371.001 , other than the department is governed by the fee and fine structure of the entity issuing the initial toll invoice. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 264 (S.B. 792 ), Sec. 13.01, eff. June 11, 2007. SUBCHAPTER C. TOLL REVENUE BONDS

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.101. CONSTRUCTION COSTS.

(a) The cost of construction, improvement, extension, or expansion of a toll project or system under this chapter includes the cost of: (1) the actual acquisition, design, development, planning, financing, construction, improvement, extension, or expansion of the project or system; (2) acquisition of real property, rights-of-way, property rights, easements, and interests; (3) the acquisition of machinery, equipment, software, and intellectual property; (4) interest before, during, and for one year after construction, improvement, extension, or expansion; (5) traffic estimates, engineering, legal and other advisory services, plans, specifications, surveys, appraisals, cost and revenue estimates, and other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility of the construction, improvement, extension, or expansion; (6) necessary or incidental administrative, legal, and other expenses; (7) financing; and (8) placement of the project or system in operation and expenses related to the initial operation of the project or system. (b) Costs attributable to a toll project or system for which bonds are issued that are incurred before the issuance of the bonds may be reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.004 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.102. ISSUANCE OF BONDS.

(a) The commission by order may authorize the issuance of toll revenue bonds to pay all or part of the cost of a toll project or system. The proceeds of a bond issue may be used solely for the payment of the project or system for which the bonds were issued and may not be divided between or among two or more projects. Each project is a separate undertaking, the cost of which shall be determined separately. (b) As determined in the order authorizing the issuance, the bonds of each issue shall: (1) be dated; (2) bear interest at the rate or rates provided by the order and beginning on the dates provided by the order and as authorized by law, or bear no interest; (3) mature at the time or times provided by the order, not exceeding 40 years from their date or dates; and (4) be made redeemable before maturity, at the price or prices and under the terms provided by the order. (c) The commission may sell the bonds at public or private sale in the manner and for the price it determines to be in the best interest of the department. (d) The proceeds of each bond issue shall be disbursed in the manner and under the restrictions, if any, the commission provides in the order authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds. (e) If the proceeds of a bond issue are less than the toll project or system cost, additional bonds may be issued in the same manner to pay the costs of a project or system. Unless otherwise provided in the order authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, the additional bonds are on a parity with and are payable, without preference or priority, from the same fund as the bonds first issued. In addition, the commission may issue bonds for a project or system secured by a lien on the revenue of the project or system subordinate to the lien on the revenue securing other bonds issued for the project or system. (f) If the proceeds of a bond issue exceed the cost of the toll project or system for which the bonds were issued, the surplus shall be segregated from the other money of the commission and used only for the purposes specified in the order authorizing the issuance. (g) In addition to other permitted uses, the proceeds of a bond issue may be used to pay costs incurred before the issuance of the bonds, including costs of environmental review, design, planning, acquisition of property, relocation assistance, construction, and operation. (h) Bonds issued and delivered under this subchapter and interest coupons on the bonds are a security under Chapter 8 , Business & Commerce Code. (i) Bonds issued under this subchapter and income from the bonds, including any profit made on the sale or transfer of the bonds, are exempt from taxation in this state. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.171 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.103. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW; CONFLICTS.

All laws affecting the issuance of bonds by governmental entities, including Chapters 1201 , 1202 , 1204 , 1207 , and 1371 , Government Code, apply to bonds issued under this subchapter. To the extent of a conflict between those laws and this subchapter, the provisions of this subchapter prevail. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.172 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.104. PAYMENT OF BONDS; CREDIT OF STATE NOT PLEDGED.

(a) The principal of, interest on, and any redemption premium on bonds issued by the commission under this subchapter are payable solely from: (1) the revenue of the toll project or system for which the bonds are issued, including tolls pledged to pay the bonds; (2) the proceeds of bonds issued for the project or system; (3) the amounts deposited in a debt service reserve fund as required by the trust agreement securing bonds issued for the project or system; (4) amounts received under a credit agreement relating to the project or system for which the bonds are issued; (5) surplus revenue of another project or system as authorized by Section 228.006 ; and (6) amounts received by the department: (A) as pass-through tolls under Section 222.104 ; (B) under an agreement with a local governmental entity entered into under Section 228.254 ; (C) under other agreements with a local governmental entity relating to the project or system for which the bonds are issued; and (D) under a comprehensive development agreement entered into under Section 223.201 . (b) Bonds issued under this subchapter do not constitute a debt of the state or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state. Each bond must contain on its face a statement to the effect that: (1) the state, the commission, and the department are not obligated to pay the bond or the interest on the bond from a source other than the amount pledged to pay the bond and the interest on the bond; and (2) the faith and credit and the taxing power of the state are not pledged to the payment of the principal of or interest on the bond. (c) The commission and the department may not incur financial obligations that cannot be paid from tolls or revenue derived from owning or operating toll projects or systems or from money provided by law. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.173 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.105. SOURCES OF PAYMENT OF AND SECURITY FOR TOLL REVENUE BONDS.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subchapter, toll revenue bonds issued by the commission may: (1) be payable from and secured by: (A) payments made under an agreement with a local governmental entity as provided by Section 228.254 ; (B) the proceeds of bonds issued for the toll project or system; (C) amounts deposited in a debt service reserve fund as required by the trust agreement securing bonds issued for the project or system; or (D) surplus revenue of another toll project or system as authorized by Section 228.006 ; and (2) state on their faces any pledge of revenue or taxes and any security for the bonds under the agreement. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.174 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.106. INTERIM BONDS.

(a) The commission may, before issuing definitive bonds, issue interim bonds, with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds. (b) An order authorizing interim bonds may provide that the interim bonds recite that the bonds are issued under this subchapter. The recital is conclusive evidence of the validity and the regularity of the bonds' issuance. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.27, eff. June 21, 2003. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.1751 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.107. EFFECT OF LIEN.

(a) A lien on or a pledge of revenue, a contract payment, or a pledge of money to the payment of bonds issued under this subchapter is valid and effective in accordance with Chapter 1208 , Government Code, and: (1) is enforceable in any court at the time of payment for and delivery of the bond; (2) applies to each item on hand or subsequently received; (3) applies without physical delivery of an item or other act; and (4) is enforceable in any court against any person having a claim, in tort, contract, or other remedy, against the commission or the department without regard to whether the person has notice of the lien or pledge. (b) An order authorizing the issuance of bonds is not required to be recorded except in the regular records of the department. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.27, eff. June 21, 2003. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.1752 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.108. APPROVAL OF BONDS BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.

(a) The commission shall submit to the attorney general for examination the record of proceedings relating to bonds authorized under this subchapter. The record shall include the bond proceedings and any contract securing or providing revenue for the payment of the bonds. (b) If the attorney general determines that the bonds, the bond proceedings, and any supporting contract are authorized by law, the attorney general shall approve the bonds and deliver to the comptroller: (1) a copy of the legal opinion of the attorney general stating the approval; and (2) the record of proceedings relating to the authorization of the bonds. (c) On receipt of the legal opinion of the attorney general and the record of proceedings relating to the authorization of the bonds, the comptroller shall register the record of proceedings. (d) After approval by the attorney general, the bonds, the bond proceedings, and any supporting contract are valid, enforceable, and incontestable in any court or other forum for any reason and are binding obligations according to their terms for all purposes. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.27, eff. June 21, 2003. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.1753 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.109. TRUST AGREEMENT.

(a) Bonds issued under this subchapter may be secured by a trust agreement between the commission and a corporate trustee that is a trust company or a bank that has the powers of a trust company. (b) A trust agreement may pledge or assign the tolls and other revenue to be received but may not convey or mortgage any part of a toll project or system. (c) A trust agreement may not evidence a pledge of the revenue of a toll project or system except: (1) to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the project or system; (2) to pay the principal of, interest on, and any redemption premium on the bonds as they become due and payable; (3) to create and maintain reserves for the purposes described by Subdivisions (1) and (2), as prescribed by Section 228.053 ; and (4) as otherwise provided by law. (d) Notwithstanding Subsection (c), surplus revenue may be used for a transportation or air quality project as authorized by Section 228.006 . (e) A trust agreement may: (1) set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and the trustee; (2) restrict the individual right of action by bondholders as is customary in trust agreements or trust indentures securing corporate bonds and debentures; and (3) contain provisions the commission determines reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. (f) The expenses incurred in carrying out a trust agreement may be treated as part of the cost of operating the toll project or system. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.176 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.110. PROVISIONS PROTECTING AND ENFORCING RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF BONDHOLDERS.

A trust agreement or order providing for the issuance of bonds may contain provisions to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of the bondholders, including: (1) covenants establishing the commission's duties relating to: (A) the acquisition of property; (B) the design, development, financing, construction, improvement, expansion, maintenance, repair, operation, and insurance of the toll project or system in connection with which the bonds were authorized; and (C) the custody, safeguarding, and application of money; (2) covenants prescribing events that constitute default; (3) covenants relating to the rights, powers, liabilities, or duties that arise on the breach of a duty of the commission, including the right of the trustee to bring actions against the commission or the department in any state court to enforce the covenants in the agreement, and the sovereign immunity of the state is waived for that purpose; and (4) provisions for the employment of consulting engineers in connection with the construction or operation of the project or system. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.177 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.111. FURNISHING OF INDEMNIFYING BONDS OR PLEDGE OF SECURITIES.

A bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of this state that acts as depository of the proceeds of bonds or of revenue may furnish indemnifying bonds or pledge securities that the department requires. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.178 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.112. FEASIBILITY STUDY BY MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR PRIVATE GROUP.

(a) One or more municipalities, one or more counties, a combination of municipalities and counties, or a private group or combination of individuals in this state may pay all or part of the expenses of studying the cost and feasibility and any other expenses relating to: (1) the preparation and issuance of toll revenue bonds for the construction of a proposed toll project or system; (2) the improvement, extension, or expansion of an existing project or system; or (3) the use of private participation under Subchapter E , Chapter 223 . (b) Money spent under Subsection (a) for a proposed toll project or system is reimbursable, with the consent of the commission, to the person paying the expenses out of the proceeds from toll revenue bonds issued for or other proceeds that may be used for the financing, design, development, construction, improvement, extension, expansion, or operation of the project. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.183 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.113. TRUST FUND.

(a) All money received under this subchapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenue, is a trust fund to be held and applied as provided by this subchapter. Notwithstanding any other law, including Section 9, Chapter 1123, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, and without the prior approval of the comptroller, funds held under this subchapter shall be held in trust by a banking institution chosen by the department or, at the discretion of the department, in trust in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund. (b) The order authorizing the issuance of bonds or the trust agreement securing the bonds shall provide that an officer to whom or a bank or trust company to which the money is paid shall act as trustee of the money and shall hold and apply the money for the purpose of the order or trust agreement, subject to this subchapter and the order or trust agreement. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.185 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.114. REMEDIES.

Except to the extent restricted by a trust agreement, a holder of a bond issued under this subchapter and a trustee under a trust agreement may: (1) protect and enforce by a legal proceeding in any court a right under: (A) this subchapter or another law of this state; (B) the trust agreement; or (C) the order authorizing the issuance of the bond; and (2) compel the performance of a duty this subchapter, the trust agreement, or the order requires the commission or the department or an officer of the commission or the department to perform, including the imposing of tolls. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.186 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.115. EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION OR ASSESSMENT.

(a) The commission is exempt from taxation of or assessments on: (1) a toll project or system; (2) property the department acquires or uses under this subchapter; or (3) income from property described by Subdivision (1) or (2). (b) Bonds issued under this subchapter and income from the bonds, including any profit made on the sale or transfer of the bonds, are exempt from taxation in this state. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.187 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.116. VALUATION OF BONDS SECURING DEPOSIT OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

Bonds of the commission may secure the deposit of public funds of the state or a political subdivision of the state to the extent of the lesser of the face value of the bonds or their market value. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 361.188 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.42, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.117. FUNDING FOR DEPARTMENT DISTRICT.

The commission may not revise the formula as provided in the department's unified transportation program, or its successor document, in a manner that results in a decrease of a district's allocation because revenue bonds are issued for a toll project located within the department district. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.43, eff. June 14, 2005. SUBCHAPTER D. TRANSFER OF TOLL PROJECT

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.151. LEASE, SALE, OR TRANSFER OF TOLL PROJECT OR SYSTEM.

(a) The department may lease, sell, or transfer in another manner a toll project or system, including a nontolled state highway or a segment of a nontolled state highway converted to a toll project under Subchapter E, to a governmental entity that has the authority to operate a tolled highway or a local government corporation created under Chapter 431 . (b) The commission and the governor must approve the transfer of the toll project or system as being in the best interests of the state and the entity receiving the project or system. Transferred from Transportation Code, Subchapter H, Chapter 361 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.44, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.152. DISCHARGE OF OUTSTANDING BONDED INDEBTEDNESS.

An agreement to lease, sell, or convey a toll project or system under Section 228.151 must provide for the discharge and final payment or redemption of the department's outstanding bonded indebtedness for the project or system. Transferred from Transportation Code, Subchapter H, Chapter 361 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.44, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.153. REPAYMENT OF DEPARTMENT'S EXPENDITURES.

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), an agreement to lease, sell, or convey a toll project or system under Section 228.151 must provide for the repayment of any expenditures of the department for the financing, design, development, construction, operation, or maintenance of the highway that have not been reimbursed with the proceeds of bonds issued for the highway. (b) The commission may waive repayment of all or a portion of the expenditures if it finds that the transfer will result in substantial net benefits to the state, the department, and the public that equal or exceed the amount of repayment waived. Transferred from Transportation Code, Subchapter H, Chapter 361 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.44, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.154. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.

(a) An agreement for the lease, sale, or conveyance of a toll project or system under this subchapter shall be submitted to the attorney general for approval as part of the records of proceedings relating to the issuance of bonds of the governmental entity. (b) If the attorney general determines that the agreement is in accordance with law, the attorney general shall approve the agreement and deliver to the commission a copy of the legal opinion of the attorney general stating that approval. Transferred from Transportation Code, Subchapter H, Chapter 361 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.44, eff. June 14, 2005. SUBCHAPTER E. LIMITATION ON TOLL FACILITY DESIGNATION; CONVERSION OF NONTOLLED STATE HIGHWAY

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.201. LIMITATION ON TOLL FACILITY DESIGNATION.

(a) The department may not operate a nontolled state highway or a segment of a nontolled state highway as a toll project, and may not transfer a highway or segment to another entity for operation as a toll project, unless: (1) the commission by order designated the highway or segment as a toll project before the contract to construct the highway or segment was awarded; (2) the project was designated as a toll project in a plan or program of a metropolitan planning organization on or before September 1, 2005; (3) the highway or segment is reconstructed so that the number of nontolled lanes on the highway or segment is greater than or equal to the number in existence before the reconstruction; or (4) a facility is constructed adjacent to the highway or segment so that the number of nontolled lanes on the converted highway or segment and the adjacent facility together is greater than or equal to the number in existence on the converted highway or segment before the conversion. (b) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017. (c) In determining the number of nontolled lanes required to comply with Subsection (a)(3), the department: (1) may consider only a general-purpose lane that is part of the highway; and (2) may not consider a lane of a frontage road to be a nontolled lane before or after reconstruction of the highway. (d) The department may not operate any part of State Highway 255 in Webb County as a toll project. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.45, eff. June 14, 2005. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1186 (S.B. 1029 ), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.204. RULES.

The commission shall adopt rules implementing this subchapter, including criteria and guidelines for the approval of a conversion of a highway. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 362.0041(c) and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.46, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.205. QUEEN ISABELLA CAUSEWAY.

The commission may not convert the Queen Isabella Causeway in Cameron County to a toll project. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 362.0041(d) and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.46, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.206. TOLL REVENUE.

Toll revenue collected under this section: (1) shall be deposited in the state highway fund; (2) may be used by the department to finance the improvement, extension, expansion, or operation of the converted segment of highway and may not be collected except for those purposes; and (3) is exempt from the application of Section 403.095 , Government Code. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 362.0041(f) and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.46, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.207. CÉSAR CHÁVEZ FREEWAY.

(a) In this section, "César Chávez Freeway" means the portion of Loop 375 in El Paso County between Interstate Highway 10 and Santa Fe Street. (b) If the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority approves the conversion of the portion of the César Chávez Freeway that is operated as a toll project to a nontolled project: (1) any money advanced by the department to the authority for the construction or maintenance of a toll project on the César Chávez Freeway that is unexpended on the effective date of the conversion shall be used for the construction of the Loop 375 Border Highway West Project in El Paso County from Race Track Drive to U.S. Highway 54 and added to the authority's obligation for that project under terms agreeable to the department; and (2) the department shall maintain the César Chávez Freeway as part of the state highway system without tolls. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 38, eff. September 1, 2017. SUBCHAPTER F. JOINT TOLL PROJECTS

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.251. DEFINITIONS.

In this subchapter: (1) "Bonds" includes certificates, notes, and other obligations of an issuer authorized by statute, municipal home-rule charter, or the Texas Constitution. (2) "Local governmental entity" means a political subdivision of the state, including a municipality or a county, a political subdivision of a county, a group of adjoining counties, a defined district, or a nonprofit corporation, including a transportation corporation created under Chapter 431 . Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 362.001 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.47, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.252. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW; CONFLICTS.

(a) This subchapter is cumulative of all laws affecting the issuance of bonds by local governmental entities, particularly, but not by way of limitation, provisions of Chapters 1201 and 1371 , Government Code, and Subchapters A-C, Chapter 1207 , Government Code, are applicable to and apply to all bonds issued under this subchapter, regardless of any classification of any such local governmental entities thereunder; provided, however, in the event of any conflict between such laws and this subchapter, the provisions of this subchapter prevail. (b) This subchapter is cumulative of all laws affecting the commission, the department, and the local governmental entities, except that in the event any other law conflicts with this subchapter, the provisions of this subchapter prevail. Chapters 1201 and 1371 , Government Code, and Subchapters A, B, and C, Chapter 1207 , Government Code, apply to bonds issued by the commission under this subchapter. (c) The department may enter into all agreements necessary or convenient to effectuate the purposes of this subchapter. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 362.003 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.47, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.253. USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

The department may use federal funds for any purpose described by this subchapter. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 362.006 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.47, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.254. AGREEMENTS BETWEEN AUTHORITY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES.

(a) Under authority of Section 52 , Article III, Texas Constitution, a local governmental entity other than a nonprofit corporation may, upon the required vote of the qualified voters, in addition to all other debts, issue bonds or enter into and make payments under agreements with the department, not to exceed 40 years in term, in any amount not to exceed one-fourth of the assessed valuation of real property within the local governmental entity, except that the total indebtedness of any municipality shall never exceed the limits imposed by other provisions of the constitution, and levy and collect taxes to pay the interest thereon and provide a sinking fund for the redemption thereof, for the purposes of construction, maintenance, and operation of toll projects or systems of the department, or in aid thereof. (b) In addition to Subsection (a), a local governmental entity may, within any applicable constitutional limitations, agree with the department to issue bonds or enter into and make payments under an agreement to construct, maintain, or operate any portion of a toll project or system of the department. (c) To make payments under an agreement under Subsection (b) or pay the interest on bonds issued under Subsection (b) and to provide a sinking fund for the bonds or the contract, a local governmental entity may: (1) pledge revenue from any available source, including annual appropriations; (2) levy and collect taxes; or (3) provide for a combination of Subdivisions (1) and (2). (d) The term of an agreement under this section may not exceed 40 years. (e) Any election required to permit action under this subchapter must be held in conformance with Chapter 1251 , Government Code, or other law applicable to the local governmental entity. Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 362.007 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702 ), Sec. 2.47, eff. June 14, 2005.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.0545. TOLL NOT PAID AT TIME OF USE; INVOICE.

(a) As an alternative to requiring payment of a toll at the time a vehicle is driven or towed through a toll collection facility, the department may use video billing or other tolling methods to permit the registered owner of the vehicle to pay the toll at a later date. (b) The department may use automated enforcement technology authorized under Section 228.058 to identify the registered owner of the vehicle for purposes of billing, collection, and enforcement activities. (c) The department shall send by first class mail to the registered owner of a vehicle a written invoice containing an assessment for tolls incurred by the vehicle. (d) The department shall send the invoice required under Subsection (c) and related communications to: (1) the registered owner's address as shown in the vehicle registration records of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles or the analogous department or agency of another state or country; or (2) an alternate address provided by the owner or derived through other reliable means. (e) The department may provide that the invoice under Subsection (c), instead of being sent by first class mail, be sent as an electronic record to a registered owner that agrees to the terms of the electronic record transmission of the information. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 959 ), Sec. 3, eff. June 17, 2011.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.0546. INVOICE REQUIREMENTS; PAYMENT DUE DATE.

An invoice containing an assessment for the use of a toll project must: (1) require payment not later than the 30th day after the date the invoice is mailed; and (2) conspicuously state: (A) the amount due; (B) the date by which the amount due must be paid; and (C) that failure to pay the amount due in the required period will result in the assessment of an administrative fee. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2017.

Tex. TRANSP Code § 228.0547. PAYMENT OF TOLL INVOICE; OFFENSE.

(a) A person who receives an invoice from the department for the use of a toll project shall, not later than the due date specified in the invoice: (1) pay the amount owed as stated in the invoice; or (2) send a written request to the department for a review of the toll assessments contained in the invoice. (b) If a person fails to comply with Subsection (a), the department may add an administrative fee, not to exceed $6, to the amount the person owes. The department: (1) must set the administrative fee by rule in an amount that does not exceed the cost of collecting the toll; and (2) may not charge a person more than $48 in administrative fees in a 12-month period. (c) A person who receives two or more invoices for unpaid tolls, including a lessee or transferee under Section 228.055 (d-1) or (e) or a person who receives an invoice from an entity under Section 228.059 , and who has not paid the amount due within 30 days of the date of the second invoice commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. A person may not be convicted of more than one offense under this subsection in a 12-month period. (d) The court in which a person is convicted of an offense under Subsection (c) shall collect the unpaid tolls and administrative fees and forward the amounts to the department. A person who is convicted of an offense under Subsection (c) is also liable for court costs. (e) The department may contract, in accordance with Section 2107.003 , Government Code, with a person to collect the unpaid toll and any applicable administrative fee before referring the matter to a court with jurisdiction over the offense. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312 ), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2017.
Source: TX Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Fetched: 6/29/2026

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