SRC-TJG S.B. 1657 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1657
By: Madla
Natural Resources
3/25/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there are no standards for the construction or maintenance of
walkway standards along the sides of new and existing railroad tracks.  As
proposed, S.B. 1657 instructs the Railroad Commission of Texas to develop
rules regarding the construction and maintenance of walkway standards
along the sides of new and existing railroad tracks. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Railroad Commission of
Texas in SECTION 2 of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.  Provides that the legislature finds
that the promulgation of rules regarding the construction and maintenance
of walkway standards along the sides of new and existing railroad tracks
is in the best interest of the public health and safety. 

SECTION 2.  PROMULGATION OF RULES.  Provides that the Railroad Commission
of Texas is directed to promulgate rules, within one year from the date of
enactment, regarding the construction and maintenance of walkway standards
along the sides of new and existing tracks. Requires such rules to be in
the best interest of the public health and safety. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.