Bill to protect personal information of Toll Road users

2/12/07

In addition to HB719 and HB857 relating to toll roads, TX State Rep. Lebowitz has filed HB570 which will protect personal information that toll agencies gain from vehicle license plates of drivers who use toll roads.

The bill will restrict the use of information to only:
a) toll collection and toll enforcement
b) law enforcement purposes by request of a law enforcement agency

This bill also calls for the same controls if a toll entity enters into an agreement to share information with an entity in another state.

Full test of HB570 can be read on the TX Legislator webite.

All three House Bills are currently in review by the Transportation Committee.

Who chairs the Transportation Committee?
Mike Krusee, dubbed a "Double Taxer" by founders of TexasTollParty.com chairs the Transportation Committee. In 2001, he authored HB3588 which allowed creation of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) and gave it power to construct, maintain and operate toll roads including raising revenue and acquiring property without public vote. The "Double Taxer" term refers to putting tolls on existing roads or roads already planned to build with public tax money.
With the passing of HB3588, the CTRMA was formed in 2002 with Mike Heilgenstien as executive director. CTRMA has come under fire by the Texas Comptroller who points to evidence that its board members have personal holding and business interests that present a conflict of interests. In 2005 she called for the resignation of it's chairman and a board member.

It will be interesting to see how Mike Krusee's role as Transportation Committee Chair will impact HB719 and HB857.

~AustinMojo~