TITLE: Relating to military toll discount programs.

SUMMARY: Relating to military toll discount programs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to military toll discount programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Section 372.053, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 372.053. MILITARY [VETERAN] DISCOUNT PROGRAM. SECTION 2. Section 372.053, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a-1) and adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows: (a-1) A program established under Subsection (a) must include free or discounted use of the entity's toll project by a vehicle associated with an account of an electronic toll collection customer who is eligible to be issued license plates [whose account relates to a vehicle registered] under Section 504.202,504.305(a)(1), [or] 504.315(f) or (g),or 504.512.(c) Notwithstanding Sections 228.057(e), 366.179(d), 370.178(d), and 372.051(a), a toll project entity that has an electronic toll collection customer who participates in the entity's discount program shall provide to any other toll project entity with a discount program the information necessary for the customer to participate in that entity's discount program. (d) A toll project entity that establishes a discount program for electronic toll collection customers: (1) shall adopt a process to allow a customer whose account is not associated with a vehicle that displays license plates described by Subsection (a-1) to establish eligibility to participate in the program; and (2) may not require the display of license plates described by Subsection (a-1) as a condition of participation in the program. (e) The department shall maintain on its Internet website a map that accurately displays all toll projects, including toll projects of other toll project entities, for which an electronic toll collection customer is eligible for free or discounted use under Subsection (a-1). Each toll project entity that operates a toll project included in the map shall display the map on its Internet website. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.