TITLE: Relating to restrictions on certain state agency actions relating to high-speed rail projects.

SUMMARY: Relating to restrictions on certain state agency actions relating to high-speed rail projects.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to restrictions on certain state agency actions relating to high-speed rail projects. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 112, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 112.004 to read as follows: Sec. 112.004. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN STATE AGENCY ACTIONS RELATING TO HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECTS. (a) In this section: (1) "High-speed rail" has the meaning assigned by Section 112.201. (2) "State agency" means a board, commission, council, committee, department, office, agency, or other governmental entity in the executive branch of state government. The term does not include an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. (b) Unless a state agency determines that a private entity has obtained all necessary federal approvals and permits for the construction of a high-speed rail project, the state agency may not: (1) issue any permit required for the project; or (2) negotiate or enter into an agreement with the private entity for right-of-way access for the project. 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.