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Tolling bill sparks debate; TDOT says current law already covers express/choice lanes
Summary
Senate Bill 2288, proposing expanded authority to set tolls on state facilities near borders, prompted lengthy agency Q&A. TDOT told the committee that the Transportation Modernization Act already provides authority for choice/express lanes and that the amendment before the committee does not create "true toll roads." The sponsor framed tolls as a potential revenue source for large infrastructure needs.
Senator Lamar described SB2288 as a potential revenue source to help fund large infrastructure needs, calling tolls an "ATM" that could pay for road projects. He said the state faces significant infrastructure needs and that border traffic imposes wear not paid for by out‑of‑state drivers. "This is a guaranteed revenue source for our infrastructure projects," he told the committee.
TDOT legislative affairs director Jay Klein answered members' questions in an extended out‑of‑session exchange, explaining that the Transportation Modernization Act limits the state's ability to create "true toll roads" where all access requires payment and instead provides authority for user‑fee or choice/express lanes that retain at least the existing number of general purpose, free lanes. Klein said the amendment as drafted appears consistent with current law but that the department sought clarity on intent. Senators asked whether newly built roads could be tolled or whether interstates could be retrofitted; Klein said current law allows user‑fee lanes but does not permit converting existing general‑purpose capacity into a tolled‑only facility without adding free lanes. The sponsor later asked to roll the bill for further work; a subsequent vote on the bill failed in committee.
