Texas House Bill HB3749

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to county authority to relocate a road under provisions allowing the county to clarify the existence of a public interest in roads.

Impact

The primary impact of HB3749 is the restriction it places on county governments, preventing them from relocating roads that meet certain criteria. This could affect various aspects of county planning and infrastructure management, as counties often need to adapt their road systems to meet development demands or community needs. By denying the authority to relocate roads, the bill may compel counties to seek alternative methods to address public interests in transportation planning.

Summary

House Bill 3749 addresses the authority of counties in Texas regarding the relocation of roads. The bill specifically amends Chapter 258 of the Transportation Code by adding Section 258.008, which clarifies that counties do not have the authority to relocate a road that they have acquired under Chapter 281 or other related laws. This legislative change aims to delineate the scope of county powers concerning public roads and could streamline the existing regulations surrounding road management.

Contention

One notable point of contention arising from this bill is the balance of local control versus legislative oversight. Some county officials may view this restriction as an infringement on their ability to manage local roadways effectively. Critics could argue that by limiting the capacity for relocation, the bill undermines counties' flexibility in addressing transportation issues that are responsive to local needs. The discussions surrounding the bill may reflect broader debates about local autonomy in governance and the role of state legislation in dictating local infrastructure decisions.