H.B. No. 790
AN ACT
relating to a study on the implementation and effectiveness of
sound mitigation measures on certain highways.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) The Texas A&M Transportation Institute
shall conduct a study assessing the implementation and
effectiveness of sound mitigation measures on highways that are
part of the state highway system and toll roads or turnpikes under
the jurisdiction of a toll project entity as defined by Section
372.001, Transportation Code. The study must include:
(1) an analysis of the process and methodology used by
the Texas Department of Transportation or toll project entity for
selecting and implementing sound mitigation measures, including
factors that affect the process and how outcomes are determined;
(2) an analysis of whether any kind of live testing is
conducted at any point to determine the actual traffic noise level
for neighboring properties;
(3) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the process
and methodology described by Subdivision (1) of this subsection in
reducing the traffic noise level for neighboring properties; and
(4) an evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented
sound mitigation measures in reducing the traffic noise level for
neighboring properties.
(b) Not later than November 1, 2016, the Texas A&M
Transportation Institute shall submit a report on the results of
the study and any recommendations to the governor, the lieutenant
governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the
presiding officer of each standing committee of the legislature
with jurisdiction over transportation matters.
(c) This Act expires August 31, 2017.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 790 was passed by the House on May 15,
2015, by the following vote: Yeas 133, Nays 6, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 790 was passed by the Senate on May
26, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor