SB 2770

relating to equitable representation in decision making for
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Sections 201.05l(b) and (i), Transportation Code, are
(b)  The members shall be appointed to reflect the diverse
geographic regions and population groups of this state. One member
must reside in a rural area and be a registered voter of a county
with a population of less than 150,000.  One member must have
experience as a frequent transit user, bicycle or pedestrian
commuter, or as a person with a disability that has affected their
use of the transportation system.
(i)  Appointments to the commission shall [be made without
regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national
origin of the appointees and shall] reflect the diversity of the
population of the state as a whole.
SECTION 2.  Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 201.6016 to read as follows:
Sec. 201.6016.  EQUITABLE DECISION MAKING POLICY.  The
department shall develop and implement a policy for equitable
decision making in the transportation planning process.  The policy
(1)  analyze race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and
geographic representation in positions and on boards, commissions,
and committees responsible for transportation planning-related
(A)  metropolitan planning organization
(B)  department executive leadership;
(i)  regional mobility authorities, county
toll road authorities, and regional tollway authorities;
(2)  analyze public participation in the department's
planning processes to ensure people of all races, ethnicities,
genders, abilities, socio-economic status, languages, and
geographic locations are successfully participating in those
(3)  establish  guidelines for the entities under
Subdivision (1) to achieve equitable representation, including at
(A)  proposing new joint powers agreements and
(B)  guidance on improving public processes;
(C)  guidance for adopting proportional voting
systems based upon residential populations of member governments to
provide equal representation for all residents in decisions of
entities such as metropolitan planning organizations; and
(D)  guidance for entities to include people with
disabilities at all levels of decision making.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.