House Joint Resolution 58 - John Bucy

This would be a constitutional amendment that would authorize the use of money in the state highway fund for transit-oriented projects.

This would be the first time the public would have a say on how transportation funding is distributed other than for highway projects.

Should this resolution pass the legislature, it would appear on November 4, 2025 ballots.

89(R) House Bill 483 - John Bucy

High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail in the I-35 Corridor from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio.

This bill would allow the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement with a private entity to construct, maintain and operate high-speed rail service between Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio along the I-35 travel corridor. The service should reasonably be expected to reach speeds of 110 miles per hour or more.

This bill would specifically address the needs of congestion mitigation along the I-35 corridor and would not affect a current law passed by Texas legislators and signed by the governor that prohibits the use of state funds in building a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.

If passed by the Texas legislature and signed by Governor Abbott, this bill would take effect as of September 1, 2025. It would modify SECTION 1, Chapter 91 of the Transportation Code by amending and adding Subchapter G.

89(R) Senate Bill 424 (companion to HB 483) - Sarah Eckhardt

High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail in the I-35 Corridor from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio.

This bill would allow the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement with a private entity to construct, maintain and operate high-speed rail service between Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio along the I-35 travel corridor. The service should reasonably be expected to reach speeds of 110 miles per hour or more.

This bill would specifically address the needs of congestion mitigation along the I-35 corridor and would not affect a current law passed by Texas legislators and signed by the governor that prohibits the use of state funds in building a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.

If passed by the Texas legislature and signed by Governor Abbott, this bill would take effect as of September 1, 2025. It would modify SECTION 1, Chapter 91 of the Transportation Code by amending and adding Subchapter G.

89(R) House Bill 663 - Brian Harrison

Denying the use of eminent domain for a high-speed rail project.

This bill would not allow a private entity, described as a railroad, to exercise the power of eminent domain for the purpose of developing or operating high-speed rail. In 2022 the Texas Supreme Court decided that Texas Central, a railroad engaged in building high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston, had the right to acquire land to build the line. If passed, this would supersede the Supreme Court’s decision.

89(R) House Bill 1402 - Cody Harris

Denying the use of funds to pay for high-speed rail even if it is a PUBLIC project.

This bill would prohibit the use of public funds for planning, facility construction or maintenance, security, promotion or operation of a high-speed rail operated by a private entity. It also prohibits using public funds for alteration of a roadway related to high-speed rail construction. The state would be barred from accepting public money (theoretically even federal rail funds) for a high-speed rail project operated by a public or private entity.

89(R) House Bill 1564 - Ana Hernandez

Limiting the length of trains to a maximum of 8,500 feet.

A railroad company 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. SECTIONA2.AA This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

A similar bill was filed in the 2023 legislative session by Representative Hernandez, 88(R) HB 2717 and received a hearing, but no action was taken. See this TRA Newswire story. The state lawmaker continues to be concerned about long trains blocking at-grade crossings and posing a hazard for blocked emergency vehicles and for pedestrians that cross tracks in front of and underneath stopped trains.

Federal law regulating railroads may pre-empt state action. Texas Rail Advocates believes that the solution is for the state to fund more overpasses and underpasses where needed and to apply for matching federal rail grants to multiply the benefits. A $175 million TxDOT Exceptional Item in the 2025 Legislative Appropriations Request would finally be a start to solve this issue, especially in congested urban areas. TRA urges legislators to fund this line item.