By Gallego                                             H.B. No. 299
         77R9383 MTB-F                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to speed limits on state highways.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1. Section 545.353, Transportation Code, is amended
 1-5     by amending Subsection (d) and by adding Subsection (h) to read as
 1-6     follows:
 1-7           (d)  Except as provided by Subsection (h), the [The]
 1-8     commission may not:
 1-9                 (1)  modify the rules established by Section
1-10     545.351(b);
1-11                 (2)  establish a speed limit of more than 70 miles per
1-12     hour; or
1-13                 (3)  increase the speed limit for a vehicle described
1-14     by Section 545.352(b)(5).
1-15           (h)  Notwithstanding Section 545.352(b), the commission may
1-16     establish a speed limit of 75 miles  per hour on a part of the
1-17     highway system if:
1-18                 (1)  the commission determines that 75 miles per hour
1-19     is a reasonable and safe speed for that part of the highway system;
1-20     and
1-21                 (2)  that part of the highway is located in a county
1-22     with a population density of less than 10 persons per square mile.
1-23           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
1-24     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
 2-1     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
 2-2     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
 2-3     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.