An RMA is authorized to finance, design, construct, operate, maintain and expand a wide range of transportation facilities and services.
A Regional Mobility Authority can acquire or condemn property for projects, enter into public private partnerships, and set rates for the use of transportation facilities.
The board of directors is authorized to perform the functions provided under statute by hiring employees or contracting with government agencies or private sector companies.
In July 2005, Texas district court Judge Darlene Byrne ruled that the legislation allowing six-year terms for RMA board members was unconstitutional.
In the election's aftermath, a toll road industry website described the defeat of Proposition 9 this way: "in Texas the tollers are behaving arrogantly and with extraordinary political ineptitude.