2023 Texas Legislature Rail Issues
Texas Rail Advocates tracks bills filed in the 88th Session that directly or indirectly impact development of railroads or the rail industry.
Bills that we feel are productive receive a Green Thumbs Up while counterproductive bills receive the Red Thumb Down.
TRA urges Texans to be proactive and support bills that help to facilitate Texas' economic growth and enhance quality of life by advancing the development of rail service as a carrier of people and goods. Let your elected officials know where you stand. Find your elected state officials here: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
88(R) HB 366 - Bell, Cecil
BOND FOR RESTORATION OF REAL PROPERTY USED BY PRIVATE HIGH-SPEED RAIL OPERATOR.
(a) In this section, high-speed rail; has the meaning assigned by Section 112.201. (b) Before a private entity begins operation of high-speed rail, including the extension of an existing service, the entity must file with the department a bond in an amount determined by the commission to be sufficient to restore real property used for the service to its original
88(R) HB 2357 - Harris, Cody
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to provision to the Texas Department of Transportation of information regarding certain high-speed rail projects.
111.059. INFORMATION ON CERTAIN HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECTS. (a) In this section, "high-speed rail" has the meaning assigned by Section 112.201. (b) An entity that proposes a high-speed rail project shall submit to the department each year that the project is included in the Texas Rail Plan the following information: (1) the proposed method of financing of the construction or acquisition of the project
88(R) HB 2717 - Hernandez, Ana
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the maximum length of a train.
Section 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 112, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 112.004. MAXIMUM LENGTH OF TRAIN. A railroad may not operate or permit to be operated on any part of a rail line in this state a train that is 8.500 feet in length or longer.
88(R) HB 1379 - Ortega, Evelina
Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.
"Transportation project" means:(A) a turnpike project; (B) a system; (C) a passenger or freight rail facility,including: (i) tracks; (ii) a rail line;
88(R) SB 848 - Blanco, Cesar
Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.
"Transportation project" means:(A) a turnpike project; (B) a system; (C) a passenger or freight rail facility,including: (i) tracks; (ii) a rail line;
88(R) HB 2913 - Harrison, Brian
Relating to limitations on the applicability of certain statutes to high-speed rail.
112.201, or 199.003. SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 131, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 131.0115 to read as follows: Sec. 131.0115. INAPPLICABILITY TO HIGH-SPEED RAIL. This subchapter does not apply to high-speed rail, as defined by Section 111.103,112.201, or 199.003. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
88(R) HB 3870 - Harris, Cody
Relating to the disposition of real property acquired for high-speed rail projects.
PROPERTY ACQUIRED FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT. (a) In this section, "high-speed rail" has the meaning assigned by Section 112.201. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a private entity that operates or plans to operate a high-speed rail project, represents itself as having the power of eminent domain, and acquires real property for a high-speed rail project may not use the property for any purpose other than a high-speed rail project.
88(R) HB 4015 - Thompson, Ed
Relating to the disposition of certain fees collected for the rail safety program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 111.101(e), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) A fee collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund and may be used only for the rail safety program.
88(R) HB 4551 - Kacal, Kyle
Relating to a required water quality permit for construction of a high-speed rail project.
BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended by adding Section 26.054 to read as follows: Sec. 26.054. PERMIT REQUIRED FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT. (a) In this section, "high-speed rail" has the meaning assigned by Section 112.201, Transportation Code.
88(R) HB 4313 - Raymond, Richard
Relating to the safety standards of certain rail employees; requiring an occupational permit.
BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 199, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 199.004 to read as follows: Sec. 199.004. SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN RAIL EMPLOYEES. (a) In this section, "covered rail employee" means a railroad employee whose primary reporting point is in the United Mexican States