Texas House Bill HB347

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/24/08

Caption

Relating to the establishment of railroad quiet zones outside the boundaries of certain municipalities.

Impact

The bill allows smaller municipalities to utilize municipal funds and engage in financial options such as issuing certificates of obligation or bonds. This funding may cover a spectrum of required expenditures, including feasibility studies, engineering assessments, and necessary traffic improvements linked to the quiet zones. The financial latitude granted through the legislation empowers these municipalities to tackle noise-related challenges that they might not have been able to address previously. Overall, this legislation aims to create a quieter and more serene living environment for residents in these specific areas.

Summary

House Bill 347 aims to establish railroad quiet zones specifically for Type A general-law municipalities that are entirely surrounded by larger municipalities with populations of 1.1 million or more. The primary motivation behind the bill is to enhance the living conditions in these smaller enclaves by reducing noise pollution from passing trains. This legislation allows the governing bodies of these municipalities to enter interlocal contracts with their surrounding larger municipalities to establish these quiet zones for their benefit, indicating a collaborative effort in improving community standards.

Contention

There may be notable discussions surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the financial implications and the effectiveness of implementing quiet zones. Opponents might express concerns about the costs associated with establishing these zones and whether the expected benefits justify such expenditures. Additionally, there could be debates on how these quiet zones affect surrounding transportation systems and whether train operations would be significantly impacted. The process of defining what constitutes a 'quiet zone' and how effectively they can be maintained are likely points of contention among stakeholders.