Texas House Bill HB2946

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain laws governing the intersections of railroad tracks and public roadways.

Impact

By repealing specific sections of the Transportation Code, HB2946 is expected to eliminate regulatory burdens that may be seen as unnecessary or overly complicated regarding railroad crossings. This change can have a significant impact on local government operations as they may now have more discretion in how they handle safety and infrastructure at these intersections. The repeal is assumed to foster a safer and more efficient transportation environment by allowing local entities to tailor regulations that better fit their unique circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 2946 relates to the laws governing the intersections of railroad tracks and public roadways in Texas. The bill aims to repeal certain sections of the Transportation Code that establish regulations around these intersections. The primary intention behind this legislation is to streamline existing laws, potentially making it easier for local jurisdictions to manage railroad crossings alongside public roadways without being encumbered by outdated or redundant regulations. The legislation was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Transportation and passed the House without any opposition.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2946 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support it received during its voting process. Legislators recognize the need for clear and concise laws that enhance public safety without introducing excessive regulatory obstacles. The lack of opposition suggests a collective agreement on the necessity of this legislation, highlighting a bipartisan commitment to improving transportation safety in the state.

Contention

Overall, there seems to be minimal contention regarding this bill, as it addresses existing laws without placing new burdens on stakeholders. Some might argue about the potential risks of deregulating aspects of railroad safety junctions; however, such concerns were not prominent during the discussions leading up to the passage. Instead, the focus has been on the benefits of modernization and efficiency regarding the interaction between railroads and roadways.