86R6000 JRR-D
By: Toth H.B. No. 2605
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to restrictions on certain state agency actions relating
to high-speed rail projects.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 112, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 112.004 to read as follows:
Sec. 112.004. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN STATE AGENCY ACTIONS
RELATING TO HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECTS. (a) In this section:
(1) "High-speed rail" has the meaning assigned by
Section 112.201.
(2) "State agency" means a board, commission, council,
committee, department, office, agency, or other governmental
entity in the executive branch of state government. The term does
not include an institution of higher education as defined by
Section 61.003, Education Code.
(b) Unless a state agency determines that a private entity
has obtained all necessary federal approvals and permits for the
construction of a high-speed rail project, the state agency may
not:
(1) issue any permit required for the project; or
(2) negotiate or enter into an agreement with the
private entity for right-of-way access for the project.
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, 2019.