Legislative Affairs
Both the Texas Legislature and the United States Congress address many important transportation issues that affect the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Transportation and air quality in the North Central Texas region are impacted by legislative decisions at the State and federal levels.
NCTCOG staff regularly update policy and technical committee members, transportation partners and others interested in monitoring legislative initiatives related to the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) legislative priorities.
In order to understand current legislative initiatives, the RTC directed the development of a Transportation Funding 101 primer so legislators and the general public can better understand funding sources for transportation as well as trends that impact the amount of funding available. A shortfall of funding has been identified and the primer also addresses potential solutions to increase funding options.
May 27, 2026
FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
On May 19, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 8870, or the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America's 250th (BUILD America 250) Act, authorizes $580 billion of federal funding for highways, bridges, transit, and rail over fiscal year (FY) 2027 through FY 2031, with $474.4 billion provided as Highway Trust Fund (HTF) contract authority. Overall, the proposed bill preserves and modestly grows the traditional highway formula backbone (NHPP/STBG/HSIP/CMAQ), dramatically increases bridge formula funding, and gives MPOs more planning money and a path to direct receipt while eliminating the newer climate/resilience/equity formula programs (Carbon Reduction, PROTECT formula, NEVI).
The BUILD America 250 Act:
- Provides over its five-year period for,
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): $376 billion;
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA): $87.6 billion;
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): $5.7 billion;
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): $5 billion;
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): $64.7 billion (including $31.1 billion for Amtrak)
- Net direction vs. IIJA: Highway funding rises ~8% (+$28B); transit + rail fall ~20% (-$43B). Looking only at guaranteed dollars: Highways rise ~7% (+$26B) while transit + rail lose ~45% (-$71B)
- Does not include General Fund advance appropriations. IIJA used advance appropriations to guarantee about $184 billion of mostly transit, rail, resilience related programs.
- MPO Planning Funds increased (~18%), federal cost share raised (80% to 90%), and eligible uses of PL Funds were broadened.
- Requires states to collect $130 in annual registration fees on electric vehicles and $35 per year from plug-in hybrids, increasing biennially starting in 2029 and capped at $150 and $50 per year, respectively
- Establishes a revised bridge formula program funded at $9.2 billion per year from the HTF and authorizes $2 billion per year for the “Bridge Completion Program” from the General Fund (subject to future appropriations)
- Creates the Surface Transportation Accelerator Grant discretionary program with $2.4 billion per year from the HTF and continues the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, ramping up to $1 billion in FY 2031 from the HTF.
- Establishes a new federal framework for Automated Driving System (ADS)‑equipped commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce, including a safety standard rulemaking to require a safety case and incident reporting
- Repeals the Carbon Reduction formula program and the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood Access and Equity grant programs; and eliminates the formula funded component Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) formula program while continuing the discretionary grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee passed the BUILD America 250 Act (62-2) on May 22. The bill now advances to the full House, where leadership and the Rules Committee will decide on debate procedures and potential amendments prior to a floor vote. If passed by the House, it must still be reconciled with the Senate's version (yet to be released) before both chambers vote on a final negotiated package and send it to the President for signature.
US Congress Monitored Bills - For more information, contact Jackie Nolasco
FROM AUSTIN
April Texas Transportation Committee (TTC) Hearing
The TTC met on April 30. Routine information was presented for their approval, including highway improvements, routine maintenance, and Federal and State aviation awards. Additionally, the Commission approved issuing a request for grant applications to construct electric vehicle charging stations in rural county seats and metropolitan areas.
May Texas Transportation Committee (TTC) Hearing
The TTC met on May 21. Routine information was presented for their approval, including highway improvements, routine maintenance, and Federal and State aviation awards. Additionally, the Commission heard a presentation on the planning and preparations underway by TxDOT for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
Highlighted Bills in US Congress
- H.R. 6644 – 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, introduced by Representative French Hill (R-AR2), is a comprehensive legislative package aimed at increasing the national housing supply and affordability by reducing regulatory barriers, modernizing federal housing programs, and supporting local zoning reforms. The bill initially passed the House on February 9, the Senate (with changes) on March 12, and the House again (with changes) on May 20. The Senate now has to approve House changes and send it to the President for signature.
Upcoming Committee Hearings
TEXAS SENATE
- The Senate Finance Committee will meet on Monday, July 27, at 10:30am. The Committee will discuss the following interim charges of interest:
- Evaluating Transportation Resources: Study current transportation funding from all sources and the long-term needs of Texas drivers. Assess the implementation of funding appropriated by the 89th Legislature and make recommendations to ensure the effective and efficient use of transportation funding.
- Data Center Investment and State Fiscal Effects: Study the cost and consequences of the sales tax exemption provided to data centers under Tax Code Sections 151.359 and 151.3595. Make recommendations providing safeguards to ensure that Texans benefit from data center investment.
- The Senate Transportation Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 29, at 12pm. The Committee will discuss the following interim charges of interest:
- Prioritizing Public Safety at Rail-Grade Crossings: Examine the Texas Department of Transportation’s implementation of increased funding for rail-grade separation projects. Examine how the agency is using these new resources to prioritize projects for mobility and safety concerns. Make recommendations to ensure that expanded state investments deliver measurable improvements in freight movement and community safety.
- Studying the Deployment of Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Study the deployment of autonomous vehicle technology as authorized by SB 2807, (89th Session), including rulemaking adopted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Quantify the impact on traffic-related collisions. Make recommendations to ensure that the continued deployment of autonomous vehicles prioritizes public safety and aligns with the evolving technological landscape on Texas roads.
US HOUSE
- The House Appropriations Committee will hold a markup hearing on June 4 to review the FY 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill.
Recent Committee Hearings
TEXAS HOUSE
- The House Energy Resources Committee met on Tuesday, April 21, at 9am. The Committee surveyed the state of the hydrogen industry in Texas. Invited witnesses asked the Committee to consider policies that stimulate demand and bridge gaps left by federal uncertainty.
- The House State Affairs Committee met on Thursday, April 23, at 10am. The Committee discussed the implementation of Senate Bill 6, relating to the planning for, interconnection and operation of, and costs related to providing service for certain electrical loads and to the generation of electric power by a water supply or sewer service corporation.
- The House State Affairs Committee met on Wednesday, May 6, at 10am. The Committee reviewed the effectiveness of public-private partnerships (P3s) under Chapter 2267 of the Government Code (not P3s under Transportation Code), and evidence generally agreed that the statute is out of date and underutilized.
US SENATE
- The Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies and the Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a joint hearing on April 15 to assess federal preparation for the FIFA World Cup.
US HOUSE
- The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing on April 27 to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s funding request and question agency leadership on priorities and performance.
- The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on April 29 regarding a seven-bill package addressing rising electricity demand driven by AI, data centers, and electrification, with a focus on grid reliability and ratepayer protection.
- The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development held a hearing on May 14 to review the President’s FY 2027 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Subcommittee heard testimony from HUD Secretary Scott Turner.
- The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a markup hearing on May 21 to review FY 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill.
- The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a markup hearing on May 21 to review the BUILD America 250 Act. The summary is discussed above.
- The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development held a hearing on May 21 to review the FY 2027 Department of Transportation (USDOT) Budget Request. The Subcommittee heard testimony from USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy.
Texas Legislature - 89th Session January 14, 2025 - June 2, 2025
- Regional Transportation Council Legislative Program for the 89th Texas Legislature
- 89th Texas Legislature Summary of Bills (2025)
- 89th Texas Legislature Final Actions Presentation - Transportation
Texas Legislature - 88th Session January 10, 2023 - May 29, 2023
- Regional Transportation Council Legislative Program for the 88th Texas Legislature
- 88th Texas Legislature Summary of Bills (2023)
Other Resources
Congressional Updates important to our region
In 2005 Congress passed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) . This legislation guided surface transportation policy and funding through 2009. Nine short-term extensions passed since SAFETEA-LU expired in 2009. The final short-term extension of SAFETEA-LU extended surface transportation authorization through June 30, 2012.
On July 6, 2012, President Obama signed into law a two-year $105 billion surface transportation authorization, titled Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). MAP-21 reauthorized the federal-aid highway, highway safety and transit programs that were last authorized by SAFETEA-LU. New programs and funding levels began on October 1, 2012, and continued through September 30, 2014. The final short-term extension of MAP-21 expired on December 4, 2015.
On December 4, 2015, President Obama signed the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act into law, which authorizes Federal highway, transit, safety and rail programs for five years at $305 billion. The FAST Act is effective October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2020.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021, is a five-year bill that authorizes $567.5 billion for surface transportation, including roads and bridges, and an additional $550 billion for water, broadband, cybersecurity, and energy infrastructure. With a total funding amount of $1.2 trillion, the act aims to modernize infrastructure across the nation and is set to expire on September 30, 2026.
2025 RTC Principles for Federal Surface Transportation Authorization