Relating to the accommodation of pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, children, senior citizens, users of public transportation, movers of commercial goods, and motorists on streets and highways.
Impact
The implementation of SB513 is intended to create a transportation infrastructure that serves a broad range of users and fosters inclusivity on roads and highways. It requires the establishment of a complete streets policy that incorporates design guidelines sensitive to the needs of all travelers. The bill also emphasizes the recognition of bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit as integral components of the transportation system. This could potentially reshape how local authorities plan and execute transportation projects by integrating multi-modal considerations into their frameworks.
Summary
SB513, also known as the Complete Streets Policy, focuses on accommodating various users of transportation systems in Texas, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, children, senior citizens, public transportation users, and motorists. The bill mandates that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) consider the needs of all these users in transportation planning, design, construction, reconstruction, retrofitting, operations, and maintenance processes. By doing so, it sets forth a comprehensive approach aimed at improving safety, accessibility, air quality, and overall mobility across the state.
Contention
Discussions surrounding SB513 suggest there might be points of contention related to its application and the flexibility of local authorities in implementing the complete streets policy. There are exemptions built into the bill for projects where accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians may be impractical or overly costly, which could lead to debates over what constitutes excessive cost or disproportionate needs. Additionally, ensuring compliance with the complete streets policy may require local governments to adjust existing practices, raising questions about resource allocation and infrastructure changes needed to fulfill the bill's mandates.
Identical
Relating to the accommodation of pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, children, senior citizens, users of public transportation, movers of commercial goods, and motorists on streets and highways.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.
Relating to the creation of and the powers of a comprehensive multimodal urban transportation authority, including the power to impose taxes, issue bonds, and exercise limited eminent domain authority.