Bettencourt Drafts Legislation to Redistribute Toll Revenue to City and County, Officials Clash Over Fund Allocation

Texas Senate Bill 2722 (SB 2722), introduced during the 89th Legislative Session starting in 2025, is a proposal crafted by Houston Senator Paul Bettencourt. It aims to reallocate excess funds from the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), channeling a share to the City of Houston for vital services while reserving the rest for Harris County’s infrastructure needs.

The bill stipulates that 30% of the surplus toll revenue would go to Houston to enhance support for police, fire, and emergency medical services services (EMS), addressing the demands placed on city responders who handle toll road incidents. The remaining 70% would stay with Harris County, earmarked solely for county road projects, ensuring continued upkeep and development of its transportation network.

SB 2722 has elicited mixed responses. Proponents say it fairly bolsters Houston’s essential public safety services, given the city’s role in toll road emergency response. On the other hand, opponents, including some county leaders, argue it jeopardizes Harris County’s transportation funding. They assert that siphoning off 30% of the revenue—without mandating its use for infrastructure—could stall critical road upgrades, especially in busy corridors and nearby cities. They also criticize the mileage-based allocation, claiming it doesn’t accurately reflect toll road usage patterns.