By: Canales H.B. No. 4422
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on enhancing border security outcomes through
public safety, technological, and transportation infrastructure
improvements near Texas-Mexico border crossings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "department" means the
Texas Department of Transportation.
SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The department, in consultation with
the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Military
Department, local law enforcement near the Texas-Mexico border,
Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the Southwest Research
Institute, and transportation industry representatives, shall
conduct a study on the public safety, border security, and
modernization of transportation infrastructure from Texas-Mexico
border crossings onto the state highway system for safe, efficient,
and streamlined commercial motor vehicle connectivity that amplify
Operation Lone Star efforts.
(b) The study shall:
(1) select multiple Texas-Mexico international border
crossings that serve commercial vehicles for this study;
(2) analyze current transportation routes for
commercial vehicles from border crossings onto the state highway
system and identify ways to:
(A) bolster border security initiatives that
support Operation Lone Star or similar state security efforts;
(B) fortify law enforcement response efforts
near border crossings that maximize oversight, inspection, and
public safety resources;
(C) enhance transportation road infrastructure
and road technology to maximize the safety of communities and
driving public;
(D) reduce traffic congestion along routes while
mitigating safety concerns; and
(E) bolster infrastructure and road technology
to improve efficient and streamlined connectivity;
(3) analyze possible future transportation routes for
greater efficiency in the movement of commercial vehicles from
border crossings onto the state highway system that enhance safety,
mitigate congestion, and streamline connectivity;
(4) assess current technologies utilized under
existing border security efforts at commercial inspection
facilities at or near border crossings and identify upgrades to or
alternative technologies that may improve border security efforts,
(5) identify funding strategies and funding amounts to
fill any gaps in transportation needs.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2024, the
department shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor,
and the legislature a written report on the findings of the study
conducted under this Act and any associated recommendations.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 1, 2025.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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.