H.B. No. 2956
AN ACT
relating to municipal annexation of an area adjacent to contiguous
or connecting railroad rights-of-way.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 43, Local Government Code,
is amended by adding Section 43.1057 to read as follows:
Sec. 43.1057. ANNEXATION OF AREA ADJACENT TO CONTIGUOUS OR
CONNECTING RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY. (a) Notwithstanding any other
law, a municipality that is annexing an area under Subchapter C-3,
C-4, C-5, or D may also annex with the initial area an additional
area if:
(1) the area is adjacent to a right-of-way of a railway
line, spur, or other railroad property that is:
(A) contiguous and runs parallel to the
municipality's boundaries; and
(B) contiguous to the area being annexed under
Subchapter C-3, C-4, C-5, or D; and
(2) each owner of the area agrees to the annexation by
the municipality.
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a) or other law with a
municipal boundary contiguous requirement, including a municipal
charter or ordinance, an area adjacent or contiguous to the initial
area being annexed under Subsection (a) is considered adjacent and
contiguous to the annexing municipality.
(c) Section 43.054 does not apply to the annexation under
this section of the additional area described by Subsection (a).
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, 2023.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2956 was passed by the House on May 6,
2023, by the following vote: Yeas 108, Nays 30, 1 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2956 was passed by the Senate on May
21, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor