Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1749

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
4/29/11  
Introduced
2/24/11  
Voted on by House
5/6/11  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to county roads mistakenly established and maintained by an adjoining county.

Impact

The proposed changes would streamline the process of addressing roads that belong to other counties, reducing confusion and ensuring that counties can allocate their resources more efficiently. It emphasizes accountability among counties regarding which roads they maintain, thereby potentially enhancing the management of public resources and county road systems. This bill helps to create a clearer framework for road jurisdiction, which could lead to improved cooperation and communication between adjacent counties regarding road usage and maintenance responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 1749 addresses the issue of county roads that have been mistakenly established and maintained by neighboring counties. The bill introduces new regulations under the Texas Transportation Code that allow a county to officially declare a road as outside its jurisdiction. Upon such a declaration, the county must cease maintenance of the road and provide formal documentation to neighboring counties and the state department. This process aims to clarify the ownership and responsibility for roads that may have been previously misidentified as part of a county's road system.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote better efficiency, there may be concerns about how it affects public access to these roads post-declaration. The stipulation that the inclusion of a road into a county's system does not impose a stricter maintenance standard could be debated. Additionally, the bill states that the original establishing county retains tort liability for injuries occurring before the road's inclusion in the new county. This could lead to disputes over liability and maintenance standards that need careful consideration by lawmakers and local governments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3398

Relating to county zoning authority for counties adjacent to populous counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1308

Relating to the establishment of a constable's department civil service system in certain counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2878

Relating to the operation in certain counties of mobile food service establishments in more than one municipality within the county.

TX HB827

Relating to the county regulation of certain BYOB establishments; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB5338

Relating to the Harris County Flood Control District and the transfer to it of the assets, programs, and facilities of the Harris County Toll Road Authority; providing for the appointment of the governing body.

TX HB3697

Relating to county regulation of subdivisions and approval of subdivision plans or plats.

TX SB1430

Relating to the provision of solid waste disposal services by certain counties.

TX HB1904

Relating to the establishment of a border county mental health task force.

TX HB5374

Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 226; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX HB5375

Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.