85R20306 MTB-D
By: Minjarez, Israel, Capriglione, Guillen, H.B. No. 1294
Cosper, et al.
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1294:
By: Morrison C.S.H.B. No. 1294
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the economic impact of closures on the state highway
system during certain periods.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 224, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 224.034 to read as follows:
Sec. 224.034. HIGHWAY CLOSURES DURING CERTAIN PERIODS. (a)
If a proposed improvement of the state highway system requires the
closing of a highway, the department shall, before entering into a
contract for the proposed improvement, coordinate the highway
closure by communicating in person or by telephone call, e-mail, or
other direct method of communication with public officials from
municipalities affected by the closure to avoid any adverse
economic impact on the municipalities during:
(1) periods of increased travel on the state highway
system, including major state and federal holidays and school
holidays; and
(2) other periods of high commercial activity in the
state, including limited periods in which certain items are
exempted from the sales tax imposed by Chapter 151, Tax Code.
(b) A contract for the proposed improvement of the state
highway system that requires the closing of a highway as described
by Subsection (a) must include a provision identifying the days on
which the highway may not be closed.
(c) The department shall submit an annual report to the
governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of
representatives, and each member of the legislature detailing all
highway closures during periods listed in Subsection (a) and the
estimated economic impact of those closures.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.