Heading into the 84th Legislative Session the outlook for transportation issues, and tolling in particular, was uncertain. After 14 years under Governor Perry and 12 years under Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst, Texas had a new Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Both Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick ran on conservative platforms which included commitments to increase transportation funding, but without raising taxes, fees, or tolls. While this sentiment fell short of outright opposition to tolling, it marked a notable change from the previous administration which readily embraced tolling as a means of bolstering the state's transportation infrastructure.

The Texas Legislature had a new look as well. The House of Representatives welcomed 24 new members, and the Senate had 8 new members. This marked the largest legislative turnover in recent history. Many of the new members received backing from the “Tea Party” and other conservative groups, and while increased transportation funding was a commonly expressed objective among many, a handful of new members also brought with them a strident anti-toll road agenda. Hence the uncertainty heading into the Legislative Session—a widespread commitment to increase funding, but vocal opposition to tolling.