By: Schwertner, et al. S.B. No. 977
(Ashby)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of state money for high-speed rail operated by a
private entity.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 199, Transportation Code, is amended by
adding Section 199.003 to read as follows:
Sec. 199.003. USE OF STATE MONEY FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL.
(a) For the purposes of this section, "high-speed rail" means
intercity passenger rail service that is reasonably expected to
reach speeds of at least 110 miles per hour.
(b) Except as required by federal law or other state law,
including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
Section 4321 et seq.):
(1) the legislature may not appropriate money to pay
for a cost of planning, facility construction or maintenance, or
security for, promotion of, or operation of, high-speed rail
operated by a private entity; and
(2) a state agency may not accept or use state money to
pay for a cost described by Subdivision (1).
(c) A state agency shall prepare a semiannual report of each
expense described by this section and submit a copy of each report
to:
(1) the commission;
(2) the comptroller;
(3) the committee in each house of the legislature
with primary jurisdiction over transportation;
(4) the speaker of the house of representatives;
(5) the lieutenant governor; and
(6) the governor.
(d) This section is not intended to preclude or limit the
execution of the department's responsibilities under federal law or
other state law, including:
(1) regulatory responsibilities;
(2) oversight of transportation projects;
(3) environmental review;
(4) policy development;
(5) communication with public officials; or
(6) coordinating with a private entity that operates
or proposes to operate high-speed rail in the same manner that the
department coordinates with other entities that operate
transportation projects.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.