|
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
relating to a nonsubstantive revision of statutes relating to |
|
railroads; including conforming amendments. |
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
ARTICLE 1. GENERAL MATTERS |
|
SECTION 1.01. PURPOSE OF ACT. (a) This Act is enacted as a |
|
part of the state's continuing statutory revision program under |
|
Section 323.007, Government Code. The program contemplates a |
|
topic-by-topic revision of the state's general and permanent |
|
statute law without substantive change. |
|
(b) Consistent with the objectives of the statutory |
|
revision program, the purpose of this Act is to make the law |
|
encompassed by this Act more accessible and understandable by: |
|
(1) rearranging the statutes into a more logical |
|
order; |
|
(2) employing a format and numbering system designed |
|
to facilitate citation of the law and to accommodate future |
|
expansion of the law; |
|
(3) eliminating repealed, duplicative, expired, and |
|
executed provisions; and |
|
(4) restating the law in modern American English to |
|
the greatest extent possible. |
|
ARTICLE 2. TRANSFER OF PROVISIONS FROM TITLE 112, REVISED |
|
STATUTES, TO TRANSPORTATION CODE |
|
SECTION 2.01. Subtitle A, Title 5, Transportation Code, is |
|
redesignated as Subtitle B, Title 5, Transportation Code, and the |
|
subtitle heading is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBTITLE B [A]. STATE RAIL FACILITIES [TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
|
|
TRANSPORTATION] |
|
SECTION 2.02. Title 5, Transportation Code, is amended by |
|
adding a new Subtitle A to read as follows: |
|
SUBTITLE A. |
GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
CHAPTER 81. |
GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 81.001. DEFINITIONS |
|
Sec. 81.002. APPLICABILITY |
|
SUBTITLE A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
CHAPTER 81. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 81.001. DEFINITIONS. In this title: |
|
(1) "Commission" means the Texas Transportation |
|
Commission. |
|
(2) "Department" means the Texas Department of |
|
Transportation. (New.) |
|
Sec. 81.002. APPLICABILITY. In this title, a reference to a |
|
railroad company includes: |
|
(1) a railroad incorporated before September 1, 2007, |
|
under former Title 112, Revised Statutes; or |
|
(2) any other legal entity operating a railroad, |
|
including an entity organized under the Texas Business Corporation |
|
Act or the Texas Corporation Law provisions of the Business |
|
Organizations Code. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6259a.) |
|
SECTION 2.03. Title 5, Transportation Code, is amended by |
|
adding Subtitles C and D to read as follows: |
|
SUBTITLE C. RAILROADS GENERALLY |
|
|
CHAPTER 111. |
REGULATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 111.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON |
|
Sec. 111.002. POWER AND AUTHORITY |
|
Sec. 111.003. TRANSFER OF RAILROAD AUTHORITY |
|
Sec. 111.004. REFERENCE TO RAILROAD COMMISSION |
|
[Sections 111.005-111.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. |
REGULATION OF RAILROADS BY DEPARTMENT |
|
Sec. 111.051. INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND PAPERS; PENALTY |
|
Sec. 111.052. INFORMATION SOLICITED BY DEPARTMENT |
|
Sec. |
111.053. REFUSAL TO ANSWER BY RAILROAD COMPANY |
|
OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE; CRIMINAL PENALTY |
|
Sec. |
111.054. REFUSAL TO ANSWER BY RAILROAD COMPANY; |
|
PENALTY |
|
Sec. 111.055. WITNESSES |
|
Sec. 111.056. DEPOSITIONS |
|
Sec. 111.057. PENALTY NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED |
|
Sec. 111.058. SUITS FOR PENALTY |
|
[Sections 111.059-111.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. |
DEPARTMENT SAFETY REGULATION |
|
Sec. |
111.101. IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL SAFETY LAWS; |
|
FEES |
|
Sec. 111.102. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INSPECTIONS |
|
SUBTITLE C. RAILROADS GENERALLY |
|
CHAPTER 111. REGULATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 111.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "person" includes a corporation, as provided by |
|
Section 312.011, Government Code; and |
|
(2) the definition of "person" assigned by Section |
|
311.005, Government Code, does not apply. (New.) |
|
Sec. 111.002. POWER AND AUTHORITY. To the extent not |
|
preempted by federal law, the department: |
|
(1) has power and authority over: |
|
(A) railroads, including suburban, belt, and |
|
terminal railroads; |
|
(B) public wharves, docks, piers, elevators, |
|
warehouses, sheds, tracks, and other property used in connection |
|
with railroads; and |
|
(C) persons, associations, and private or |
|
municipal corporations that own or operate a railroad, or a wharf, |
|
dock, pier, elevator, warehouse, shed, track, or other property |
|
used in connection with a railroad; and |
|
(2) shall govern and regulate those railroads, |
|
persons, associations, and corporations and prevent abuses in the |
|
conduct of their business. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6445, Subsec. (a).) |
|
Sec. 111.003. TRANSFER OF RAILROAD AUTHORITY. On October |
|
1, 2005, all powers and duties of the Railroad Commission of Texas |
|
that related primarily to railroads and the regulation of railroads |
|
and that existed on that date were transferred to the department, as |
|
provided by Chapter 281, Acts of the 79th Legislature, Regular |
|
Session, 2005. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6445, Subsec. (b).) |
|
Sec. 111.004. REFERENCE TO RAILROAD COMMISSION. Any |
|
reference in law to the Railroad Commission of Texas that relates |
|
primarily to railroads and the regulation of railroads means the |
|
department. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6445, Subsec. (c).) |
|
[Sections 111.005-111.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. REGULATION OF RAILROADS BY DEPARTMENT |
|
Sec. 111.051. INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND PAPERS; PENALTY. |
|
(a) A member of the commission or a person authorized in writing by |
|
a member of the commission under the hand and seal of the department |
|
may at any time: |
|
(1) inspect the books and papers of a railroad |
|
company; and |
|
(2) examine under oath a railroad company officer, |
|
agent, or employee in relation to the business and affairs of the |
|
company. |
|
(b) A railroad company that refuses to permit an examination |
|
of the company's books and papers under Subsection (a) is liable to |
|
the state, for each violation, for a penalty of not less than $125 |
|
or more than $500 for each day the company fails or refuses to |
|
permit the examination. |
|
(c) An officer, agent, or employee of a railroad company who |
|
possesses or controls any book or paper of the company commits an |
|
offense if, after proper demand, the officer, agent, or employee |
|
fails or refuses to exhibit, to any member of the commission or any |
|
person authorized to investigate, the book or paper. An offense |
|
under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not |
|
less than $125 or more than $500. (V.A.C.S. Arts. 6464, 6465, |
|
6559i-1.) |
|
Sec. 111.052. INFORMATION SOLICITED BY DEPARTMENT. |
|
(a) The department shall as often as necessary provide each |
|
railroad company a questionnaire designed to elicit all information |
|
concerning the railroad. |
|
(b) A railroad company receiving a questionnaire under |
|
Subsection (a) shall properly fill out the questionnaire and answer |
|
each question fully and correctly. A railroad company that is |
|
unable to answer a question shall give satisfactory reason for the |
|
inability to answer. |
|
(c) A railroad company shall return the completed |
|
questionnaire, sworn to by the proper officer of the company, to the |
|
department not later than the 30th day after the date the company |
|
received the questionnaire. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6467.) |
|
Sec. 111.053. REFUSAL TO ANSWER BY RAILROAD COMPANY OFFICER |
|
OR EMPLOYEE; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) An officer or employee of a |
|
railroad company commits an offense if the officer or employee: |
|
(1) fails or refuses to fill out and return a |
|
questionnaire to the department as required by law; |
|
(2) fails or refuses to answer any question in a |
|
questionnaire; |
|
(3) gives a false answer to any question in a |
|
questionnaire if the answer to the question is within the officer's |
|
or employee's knowledge; or |
|
(4) evades the answer to any question in a |
|
questionnaire. |
|
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor |
|
punishable by a fine of $500 for each day that the officer or |
|
employee violates this section after the date the questionnaire is |
|
due to the department. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6559i-2.) |
|
Sec. 111.054. REFUSAL TO ANSWER BY RAILROAD COMPANY; |
|
PENALTY. (a) A railroad company is liable to the state for a |
|
penalty of $500 if: |
|
(1) an officer or employee of the company: |
|
(A) fails or refuses to fill out and return a |
|
questionnaire under Section 111.052; |
|
(B) fails or refuses to answer a question in a |
|
questionnaire under Section 111.052; |
|
(C) gives a false answer to a question in a |
|
questionnaire under Section 111.052 and the fact inquired of is |
|
within the officer's or employee's knowledge; or |
|
(D) evades the answer to such a question in a |
|
questionnaire under Section 111.052; and |
|
(2) it appears that the officer or employee acted in |
|
obedience to the company's direction, permission, or request in the |
|
officer's or employee's failure, refusal, or evasion. |
|
(b) The department may prescribe a system of bookkeeping to |
|
be observed by each railroad company that receives a questionnaire |
|
under Section 111.052, under the penalties of Subsection (a). |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6468.) |
|
Sec. 111.055. WITNESSES. (a) This section applies only to |
|
the extent that it does not conflict with Chapter 2001, Government |
|
Code. |
|
(b) In an examination or investigation under this chapter, |
|
the department may compel the attendance of witnesses and may issue |
|
subpoenas for witnesses in accordance with rules prescribed by the |
|
department. The officer to whom process is directed shall serve it. |
|
(c) A witness who appears before the department by order of |
|
the department at a place outside the county where the witness |
|
resides is entitled to receive for the witness's attendance: |
|
(1) $1 for each day; and |
|
(2) three cents for each mile the witness travels, by |
|
the nearest practical route, in going to and returning from that |
|
place. |
|
(d) On the presentation of proper vouchers, sworn to by the |
|
witness and approved by the department, the comptroller shall pay |
|
the witness the amount to which the witness is entitled. |
|
(e) A witness is not entitled to fees or mileage if, when |
|
summoned at the request of a railroad, the witness: |
|
(1) is directly or indirectly interested in the |
|
railroad; |
|
(2) is in any way interested in stock, a bond, a |
|
mortgage, or a security, or the earnings of the railroad; or |
|
(3) was an officer, agent, or employee of the |
|
railroad. |
|
(f) A witness furnished with free transportation may not |
|
receive pay for the distance the witness travels on the free |
|
transportation. |
|
(g) The department may issue an attachment as in civil cases |
|
for a witness who fails or refuses to obey a subpoena and may compel |
|
the witness to appear before the department and testify on a matter |
|
as the department requires. |
|
(h) If a witness, after being summoned, fails or refuses to |
|
attend or to answer a question asked of the witness that the witness |
|
would be required to answer if in court, the department may fine and |
|
imprison the witness for contempt in the same manner that a judge of |
|
the district court might do under similar circumstances. |
|
(i) The claim that testimony might tend to incriminate the |
|
person giving the testimony does not excuse a witness from |
|
testifying, but the evidence or testimony may not be used against |
|
the witness in a criminal trial. (New; V.A.C.S. Art. 6471.) |
|
Sec. 111.056. DEPOSITIONS. (a) The department may in its |
|
discretion issue process to take the testimony of a witness by a |
|
written or oral deposition instead of compelling the personal |
|
attendance of the witness. |
|
(b) An officer executing process issued under a provision of |
|
this subtitle or Subtitle D may charge a fee as determined by the |
|
department, not to exceed fees prescribed by law for similar |
|
services. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6472.) |
|
Sec. 111.057. PENALTY NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED. A railway |
|
company doing business in this state is liable to the state for a |
|
penalty of not more than $5,000 each time the railway company: |
|
(1) violates any provision of this subtitle or |
|
Subtitle D or fails or refuses to perform any duty imposed upon it |
|
for which a penalty has not been provided by law; or |
|
(2) fails, neglects, or refuses to obey any |
|
requirement, order, judgment, or decree of the department. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6476.) |
|
Sec. 111.058. SUITS FOR PENALTY. (a) For a penalty |
|
provided under this chapter that is recoverable by the state, the |
|
attorney general, or an attorney acting under the direction of the |
|
attorney general, may bring suit in the name of the state in: |
|
(1) Travis County; or |
|
(2) any county in or through which the railroad runs. |
|
(b) The attorney bringing a suit under this section is |
|
entitled to receive: |
|
(1) a fee to be paid by the state of $50 for each |
|
penalty recovered and collected by the attorney; and |
|
(2) 10 percent of the amount collected. |
|
(c) In all suits arising under this chapter or Section |
|
112.003, the rules of evidence shall be the same as in ordinary |
|
civil actions, except as otherwise provided by this chapter. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6477 (part).) |
|
[Sections 111.059-111.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. DEPARTMENT SAFETY REGULATION |
|
Sec. 111.101. IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL SAFETY LAWS; FEES. |
|
(a) The department may perform any act, adopt any rules, and issue |
|
any orders as permitted by the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, |
|
originally codified as 45 U.S.C. Sections 421, 431 et seq. and |
|
recodified in 1994 as 49 U.S.C. Sections 20101-20117, 20131, |
|
20133-20141, 20143, 21301, 21302, 21304, 21311, 24902, and 24905 |
|
and Sections 4(b)(1), (i), and (t) of Pub. L. No. 103-272. |
|
(b) The department by rule shall: |
|
(1) adopt reasonable fees to be assessed annually |
|
against railroads operating within the state; and |
|
(2) establish the method by which the fees are |
|
calculated and assessed. |
|
(c) The total amount of fees estimated to be collected by |
|
rules adopted by the department under this section may not exceed |
|
the amount estimated by the department to be necessary to recover |
|
the costs of administering the department's rail safety program. |
|
(d) In adopting a fee structure, the department may consider |
|
the gross ton miles for railroad operations within this state for |
|
each railroad operating in the state to provide for the equitable |
|
allocation among railroads of the cost of administering the |
|
department's rail safety program. |
|
(e) A fee collected under this section shall be deposited to |
|
the credit of the general revenue fund to be used for the rail |
|
safety program. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6448a.) |
|
Sec. 111.102. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INSPECTIONS. (a) The |
|
department may enter private property on which a railroad facility |
|
that is connected to but not a part of a general railroad system of |
|
transportation is located at a reasonable time and in a reasonable |
|
manner to perform an inspection, investigation, or surveillance of |
|
facilities, equipment, records, and operations relating to the |
|
packaging, loading, or transportation of hazardous materials to |
|
determine whether the railroad facility complies with the |
|
applicable safety requirements of this chapter or a rule adopted |
|
under this chapter. |
|
(b) In performing an inspection under this section, the |
|
department may not require a railroad facility owner or operator to |
|
alter or cease rail operations. |
|
(c) Any inspection, investigation, or surveillance |
|
performed on the site of a manufacturing facility shall be |
|
performed in compliance with the safety rules of the facility, |
|
including a rule regarding security clearance at the front gate if |
|
appropriate. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6448b.) |
|
CHAPTER 112. |
POWERS AND DUTIES OF RAILROADS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 112.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON |
|
Sec. 112.002. GENERAL RIGHTS OF RAILROADS |
|
Sec. 112.003. DAMAGES |
|
[Sections 112.004-112.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. ACQUISITION AND USE OF PROPERTY BY RAILROAD OR OF |
RAILROAD |
|
RAILROAD |
|
|
Sec. 112.051. ENTRY ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
112.052. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR CHANGE, |
|
|
|
|
LINE |
|
Sec. |
112.053. CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY: WHEN RAILROAD |
|
COMPANY AND OWNER DISAGREE |
|
Sec. |
112.054. CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY: CERTAIN |
|
TERMINAL SWITCHING RAILROADS |
|
Sec. 112.055. RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUIRED BY CONDEMNATION |
|
Sec. |
112.056. CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY FOR CERTAIN |
|
ROADS |
|
Sec. |
112.057. CONSTRUCTION ON OR NEAR CERTAIN |
|
WATERWAYS OR ROADS |
|
Sec. |
112.058. INTERSECTION OF RAIL LINE AND ROAD OR |
|
STREET |
|
Sec. 112.059. CROSSINGS OF PUBLIC ROADS |
|
Sec. |
112.060. CONVERSION OF PROPERTY IN CUSTODY OF |
|
RAILROAD COMPANY |
|
Sec. 112.061. SUIT INVOLVING RAILROAD COMPANY PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
112.062. RAILROAD COMPANY PROPERTY SUBJECT TO EXECUTION; |
|
CHARACTERIZATION OF ROLLING STOCK |
|
[Sections 112.063-112.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. SAFETY |
|
Sec. 112.101. CATTLE GUARDS |
|
Sec. 112.102. LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR INJURY TO STOCK |
|
Sec. 112.103. DUTY TO STOP AND RENDER AID; OFFENSE |
|
[Sections 112.104-112.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. LIABILITY FOR INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES |
|
|
Sec. 112.151. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER |
|
Sec. |
112.152. LIABILITY GENERALLY FOR INJURY TO OR |
|
DEATH OF EMPLOYEE |
|
Sec. 112.153. CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE |
|
Sec. 112.154. ASSUMED RISK |
|
Sec. 112.155. CERTAIN PROVISIONS VOID |
|
Sec. 112.156. LIABILITY OFFSET |
|
Sec. 112.157. CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN SECTIONS |
|
Sec. 112.158. INJURY TO FELLOW SERVANT |
|
CHAPTER 112. POWERS AND DUTIES OF RAILROADS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 112.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "person" includes a corporation, as provided by |
|
Section 312.011, Government Code; and |
|
(2) the definition of "person" assigned by Section |
|
311.005, Government Code, does not apply. (New.) |
|
Sec. 112.002. GENERAL RIGHTS OF RAILROADS. (a) A railroad |
|
company has the right to succession. |
|
(b) A railroad company may: |
|
(1) sue, be sued, plead, and be impleaded in its |
|
corporate name; |
|
(2) have and use a seal and alter the seal at will; |
|
(3) receive and convey persons and property on its |
|
railway by any mechanical power, including the use of steam; |
|
(4) regulate the time and manner in which, and the |
|
compensation for which, passengers and property are transported, |
|
subject to the provisions of law; |
|
(5) exercise the power of eminent domain for the |
|
purposes prescribed by this subtitle or Subtitle D; |
|
(6) purchase, hold, and use all property as necessary |
|
for the construction and use of its railway, stations, and other |
|
accommodations necessary to accomplish company objectives, and |
|
convey that property when no longer required for railway use; and |
|
(7) take, hold, and use property granted to the |
|
company to aid in the construction and use of its railway, and |
|
convey that property in a manner consistent with the terms of the |
|
grant when the property is no longer required for railway use. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6341.) |
|
Sec. 112.003. DAMAGES. A railroad subject to this subtitle |
|
or Subtitle D is liable to a person, firm, or corporation injured |
|
for the damages resulting from: |
|
(1) a prohibited or unlawful act or thing that the |
|
railroad does or causes or permits to be done; or |
|
(2) failure of the railroad to perform an act the |
|
railroad is required to perform under this subtitle or Subtitle D. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6475.) |
|
[Sections 112.004-112.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. ACQUISITION AND USE OF PROPERTY BY RAILROAD OR OF |
|
RAILROAD |
|
Sec. 112.051. ENTRY ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY. (a) A railroad |
|
company is entitled to make an examination and survey for the |
|
company's proposed railway, to be performed as necessary to select |
|
the most advantageous route for the proposed railway, and, subject |
|
to Subsection (c), may enter on the lands or waters of any person or |
|
corporation for that purpose. |
|
(b) A railroad company is responsible for any damages |
|
arising from an examination or survey under this section. |
|
(c) Except for the purposes of performing a lineal survey, a |
|
railroad company may not enter on private real property for the |
|
purpose of condemning the property or any material on the property |
|
for any purpose until the company agrees with and pays the owner of |
|
the property all damages that may be caused to the owner's property |
|
by the condemnation of the property and by the construction of the |
|
company's road. (V.A.C.S. Arts. 6318, 6337.) |
|
Sec. 112.052. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR CHANGE, |
|
RELOCATION, OR ABANDONMENT OF RAILROAD LINE. (a) Subject to |
|
Subsection (b), a railroad company or a receiver of a railroad that |
|
changes, relocates, or abandons a line of railroad in this state may |
|
acquire by condemnation or otherwise land for: |
|
(1) right-of-way; |
|
(2) depot grounds; |
|
(3) shops; |
|
(4) roundhouses; |
|
(5) water supply sites; |
|
(6) sidings; |
|
(7) switches; |
|
(8) spurs; or |
|
(9) any other purpose connected with or necessary to |
|
the building or operating of the line of railroad, as changed, |
|
relocated, or abandoned. |
|
(b) Property acquired under this section must be declared |
|
for and charged with public use. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6351.) |
|
Sec. 112.053. CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY: WHEN RAILROAD |
|
COMPANY AND OWNER DISAGREE. (a) A railroad company may acquire |
|
property by condemnation if the company cannot agree with the owner |
|
for the purchase of the property and the property is required for |
|
any of the following purposes: |
|
(1) the incorporation of the railroad; |
|
(2) the transaction of company business; |
|
(3) depots, station buildings, and machine and repair |
|
shops; |
|
(4) the construction of reservoirs for the water |
|
supply; |
|
(5) the right-of-way, or new or additional |
|
right-of-way; |
|
(6) a change or relocation; |
|
(7) a roadbed; |
|
(8) the shortening of a line; |
|
(9) the reduction of grades; |
|
(10) the double tracking of the railroad or the |
|
construction and operation of tracks; or |
|
(11) any other purpose connected with or necessary to |
|
the building, operating, or running of the railroad. |
|
(b) A railroad company may not, under this section, condemn |
|
property that is located more than two miles from the company's |
|
right-of-way. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6336.) |
|
Sec. 112.054. CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY: CERTAIN TERMINAL |
|
SWITCHING RAILROADS. (a) This section applies only to the |
|
condemnation of property for a terminal switching railroad that: |
|
(1) handles fewer than 10,000 but more than 3,000 |
|
carloads a year; and |
|
(2) operates in a single county that: |
|
(A) has a population of 110,000 or more; |
|
(B) is not adjacent to the Texas border; and |
|
(C) does not contain a portion of a national |
|
forest. |
|
(b) The power to condemn property given to a railroad |
|
company under this subtitle or Subtitle D, including Section |
|
112.052 or 112.053, does not apply to any property used for or |
|
designated under local zoning regulations for residential use |
|
unless the use of the condemned property is authorized under or in |
|
conformity with local zoning or development regulations. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6336a.) |
|
Sec. 112.055. RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUIRED BY CONDEMNATION. |
|
(a) A right-of-way that a railway company in this state acquires |
|
by condemnation does not include a fee simple estate in public or |
|
private land. |
|
(b) A right-of-way that a railway company acquires by |
|
condemnation is not lost on forfeiture or expiration of the railway |
|
company's charter. The right-of-way remains subject to an |
|
extension of the charter or the grant of a new charter, and a new |
|
condemnation of the way is not required. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6339.) |
|
Sec. 112.056. CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY FOR CERTAIN ROADS. |
|
(a) Subject to Subsection (b), a corporation created to build, |
|
maintain, and operate a line of railroads to a mine, gin, quarry, |
|
manufacturing plant, or mill may acquire by condemnation land |
|
necessary for the right-of-way for a road connecting the mine, gin, |
|
quarry, manufacturing plant, or mill to the nearest line of |
|
railroad. |
|
(b) The corporation may condemn property under this section |
|
only if the corporation declares itself a common carrier and its |
|
railroads public highways, placing the road under the control of |
|
the department. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550.) |
|
Sec. 112.057. CONSTRUCTION ON OR NEAR CERTAIN WATERWAYS OR |
|
ROADS. (a) A railroad company may construct the company's road |
|
across, along, or on any stream of water, water course, street, |
|
highway, turnpike, or canal where the route of the company's |
|
railway intersects or touches the stream, water course, street, |
|
highway, turnpike, or canal. |
|
(b) The railroad company shall: |
|
(1) restore the stream, water course, street, highway, |
|
turnpike, or canal to its former state or to a state in which its |
|
usefulness is not unnecessarily impaired; and |
|
(2) keep the crossing in repair. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6320.) |
|
Sec. 112.058. INTERSECTION OF RAIL LINE AND ROAD OR STREET. |
|
Sections 112.051, 112.053, 112.054, 112.055, 112.057, 112.059, and |
|
112.061 do not affect a law that requires a railroad company to |
|
provide a proper crossing at each intersection of a road or street. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6326.) |
|
Sec. 112.059. CROSSINGS OF PUBLIC ROADS. (a) Each |
|
railroad company in this state shall place and keep the portion of |
|
the company's roadbed and right-of-way over or across which a |
|
public county road runs in proper condition for the use of the |
|
traveling public. |
|
(b) A railroad company is liable for a penalty of $10 for |
|
each week the company does not comply with the requirements of this |
|
section if: |
|
(1) the overseer of a public road gives written notice |
|
to the company's person responsible for maintaining the area where |
|
the work is needed; and |
|
(2) the company fails to complete the work or repairs |
|
within 30 days after the date written notice is given under |
|
Subdivision (1). |
|
(c) A county attorney, on the making of an affidavit of the |
|
facts by any person, shall immediately institute a suit against the |
|
railroad company to recover the penalty provided by this section. A |
|
county attorney's wilful failure or refusal to comply with this |
|
subsection is sufficient cause for the county attorney to be |
|
removed from office unless it is evident that the suit could not |
|
have been maintained. |
|
(d) A proceeding under this section shall be conducted in |
|
the name of the county and in the same manner as a proceeding in a |
|
civil suit. |
|
(e) A county attorney is entitled to a fee of $10, taxed as |
|
costs, for each suit maintained by the county attorney under this |
|
section. If two or more penalties are sought in the same suit only |
|
one fee may be recovered under this subsection. |
|
(f) If the county is cast in the suit, the county may not be |
|
charged costs. |
|
(g) A penalty collected under this section shall be |
|
deposited in the road and bridge fund of the county in which the |
|
suit is brought. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6327.) |
|
Sec. 112.060. CONVERSION OF PROPERTY IN CUSTODY OF RAILROAD |
|
COMPANY. (a) A railroad company in this state or a receiver of a |
|
railroad company in this state may not confiscate or otherwise |
|
convert to the company's or receiver's own use, in whole or in |
|
substantial part, a carload shipment of any article or commodity of |
|
freight traffic received by the company or receiver for |
|
transportation and delivery without the express consent of the |
|
owner or consignee of the shipment. |
|
(b) An act of an agent, officer, or employee of a railroad |
|
company or receiver under this section that is within the apparent |
|
scope of the agent's, officer's, or employee's duties or authority |
|
with respect to the confiscation or conversion is considered to be |
|
an act of the company or receiver. |
|
(c) This section does not apply to a conversion of freight |
|
that has been damaged or intermingled with other freight in wrecks, |
|
or to refused or unclaimed freight, that the railroad is unable to |
|
deliver. |
|
(d) In addition to all other remedies or penalties that may |
|
be provided by law, a railroad company or receiver that violates |
|
this section is subject to: |
|
(1) a penalty in favor of the state of not less than |
|
$125 or more than $500; and |
|
(2) an additional penalty in favor of the owner or |
|
consignee of the converted shipment equal to twice the amount of the |
|
purchase price of the converted shipment. (V.A.C.S. Arts. 6366, |
|
6367.) |
|
Sec. 112.061. SUIT INVOLVING RAILROAD COMPANY PROPERTY. |
|
(a) If a railroad company is sued for property occupied by the |
|
company for railroad purposes or for damages to property occupied |
|
by the company for railroad purposes, the court in which the suit is |
|
pending may determine all matters in dispute between the parties, |
|
including the condemnation of the property, on petition or cross |
|
bill by the defendant requesting that remedy. |
|
(b) A plea for condemnation under Subsection (a) is |
|
considered an admission of the plaintiff's title to the property. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6338.) |
|
Sec. 112.062. RAILROAD COMPANY PROPERTY SUBJECT TO |
|
EXECUTION; CHARACTERIZATION OF ROLLING STOCK. (a) All or any part |
|
of a railroad company's real and personal property is subject to |
|
execution and sale in the same manner as the property of |
|
individuals. |
|
(b) No portion of a railroad company's real or personal |
|
property is exempt from execution and sale. |
|
(c) The rolling stock and all other movable property |
|
belonging to a railroad company is considered personal property. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6420.) |
|
[Sections 112.063-112.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. SAFETY |
|
Sec. 112.101. CATTLE GUARDS. (a) A railroad company whose |
|
railroad passes through a field or enclosure shall construct and |
|
keep in good repair a good and sufficient cattle guard or stop at |
|
each location the railroad enters the field or enclosure. |
|
(b) If a field or enclosure through which a railway passes |
|
is enlarged or extended, or the owner of any land over which a |
|
railway runs clears and opens a field so as to include the track of a |
|
railway, the railroad company shall construct and keep in repair |
|
good and sufficient cattle guards or stops at the borders of the |
|
extended enclosures or fields or the new fields. |
|
(c) A cattle guard or stop required by this section shall be |
|
constructed and kept in repair to protect the fields and enclosures |
|
from the depredations of stock of any kind. |
|
(d) If a railroad company fails to construct and keep in |
|
repair a cattle guard or stop required by this section, the owner of |
|
the enclosure or field may: |
|
(1) have the required cattle guards or stops |
|
constructed at the proper places and kept in repair; and |
|
(2) recover from the company the costs of constructing |
|
or repairing the required cattle guards or stops, unless it is shown |
|
that the enlargement or extension was made capriciously and with |
|
intent to harass and molest the company. |
|
(e) A railroad company that neglects to construct or keep in |
|
repair a proper cattle guard or stop as required by this section is |
|
liable to a party injured by the neglect for all damages that may |
|
result from the neglect. The injured party may seek to recover the |
|
damages by filing suit. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6400.) |
|
Sec. 112.102. LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR INJURY TO STOCK. |
|
(a) Subject to Subsection (b), a railroad company is liable to the |
|
owner for the value of all stock killed or injured by the company's |
|
locomotives and cars operating over the company's railways, |
|
regardless of whether the county or subdivision of a county in which |
|
the death or injury occurs has, under Subchapter B or D, Chapter |
|
143, Agriculture Code, prohibited certain animals from running at |
|
large. |
|
(b) A railroad company that fences its railway is liable |
|
only for injury to stock that results from a want of ordinary care. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6402.) |
|
Sec. 112.103. DUTY TO STOP AND RENDER AID; OFFENSE. (a) In |
|
this section, "operator" means the person assigned by a railroad |
|
company to be responsible for the operation of a train. |
|
(b) An operator who is involved, while operating a |
|
locomotive, in an accident resulting in injury to or death of a |
|
person or damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person |
|
shall immediately stop the locomotive at the scene of the accident. |
|
(c) The operator shall render to a person injured in the |
|
accident reasonable assistance, including transporting, or the |
|
making of arrangements for transporting, the person to a physician, |
|
surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is |
|
apparent that treatment is necessary or if the injured person |
|
requests transportation. |
|
(d) A person who violates this section commits an offense. |
|
An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6419b; New.) |
|
[Sections 112.104-112.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. LIABILITY FOR INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. 112.151. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. |
|
Notwithstanding any other law, this subchapter does not apply to |
|
the portion of a person's, receiver's, or corporation's operations |
|
that: |
|
(1) consists solely of the fabrication, manufacture, |
|
repair, or storage of rail rolling stock; or |
|
(2) uses rail cars solely as a part of its own internal |
|
manufacturing or production process. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6432A.) |
|
Sec. 112.152. LIABILITY GENERALLY FOR INJURY TO OR DEATH OF |
|
EMPLOYEE. (a) A corporation, receiver, or other person operating |
|
a railroad in this state is liable for damages to a person who, |
|
while employed by the railroad operator, is injured as a result of: |
|
(1) the negligence of an officer, agent, or employee |
|
of the railroad operator; or |
|
(2) any defect or insufficiency due to the railroad |
|
operator's negligence in its cars, engines, appliances, machinery, |
|
track, roadbed, works, boats, wharves, or other equipment. |
|
(b) If an employee dies as a result of the negligence, |
|
defect, or insufficiency described by Subsection (a), the railroad |
|
operator is liable to the employee's personal representative for |
|
the benefit of the employee's surviving spouse and children and the |
|
employee's parents or, if the employee is not survived by a spouse, |
|
child, or parent, to the employee's next of kin who is dependent on |
|
the employee. |
|
(c) Damages recovered under Subsection (b) are not liable |
|
for the debts of the deceased and shall be divided among the persons |
|
entitled to the benefit of the action who are living, in shares the |
|
fact finder considers proper. |
|
(d) An action under Subsection (b) may be brought without |
|
administration by all parties entitled to damages under that |
|
subsection, or by any one or more of those parties, for the benefit |
|
of all of those parties. If all parties entitled to recover are not |
|
before the court, the action may proceed for the benefit of the |
|
parties who are before the court. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6439.) |
|
Sec. 112.153. CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE. (a) In an action |
|
under Section 112.152, the employee's contributory negligence is |
|
not a bar to recovery but the fact finder shall reduce the |
|
employee's damages in proportion to the amount of contributory |
|
negligence attributable to the employee. |
|
(b) An employee may not be found contributorily negligent in |
|
a case in which the railroad operator's violation of a statute |
|
enacted for the safety of employees contributed to the employee's |
|
injury or death. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6440.) |
|
Sec. 112.154. ASSUMED RISK. (a) The plea of assumed risk |
|
is not available as a bar to recovery of damages in a suit brought in |
|
a court in this state against a corporation, receiver, or other |
|
person operating a railroad, interurban railway, or street railway |
|
in this state for the recovery of damages for the death of or |
|
personal injury to an employee caused by the wrong or negligence of |
|
the railroad or railway operator. An employee assumes the ordinary |
|
risk incident to the employee's employment but does not assume the |
|
risk resulting from any negligence of the employee's employer, |
|
regardless of whether the negligence is known to the employee. |
|
(b) If in a suit described by Subsection (a) it is alleged |
|
and proven that the deceased or injured employee was negligent in |
|
continuing in the service of the railroad or railway operator in |
|
view of the risk, dangers, and hazards of which the employee knew or |
|
must necessarily have known, in the ordinary performance of the |
|
employee's duties, that fact does not bar the employee's recovery, |
|
but is considered contributory negligence. If contributory |
|
negligence described by this subsection proximately caused or |
|
contributed to the cause of the death or injury, the damages |
|
recoverable by the employee or the employee's heirs or |
|
representatives shall be reduced only in proportion to the amount |
|
of negligence attributable to the employee. |
|
(c) An employee of a railway company who is injured while |
|
engaged in the operation of a train in this state that is propelled |
|
by two or more engines is not considered to have assumed the risk of |
|
that injury if the injury is a result of the operation of two or more |
|
engines on the train rather than one. |
|
(d) In an action against a railroad operator under Section |
|
112.152, an employee may not be held to have assumed the risk of the |
|
employee's employment in a case in which the railroad operator's |
|
violation of a statute enacted for the safety of employees |
|
contributed to the employee's injury or death. (V.A.C.S. Arts. |
|
6437, 6438, 6441.) |
|
Sec. 112.155. CERTAIN PROVISIONS VOID. A provision of a |
|
contract, rule, or device the purpose of which is to exempt a |
|
railroad operator from liability under Section 112.152 is void to |
|
the extent of the purported exemption. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6442 |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 112.156. LIABILITY OFFSET. In an action against a |
|
railroad operator under Section 112.152, the railroad operator may |
|
offset the railroad operator's liability by the amount of the |
|
railroad operator's contribution or payment to any insurance, |
|
relief benefit, or indemnity from which benefits have been paid to |
|
the injured employee or another person entitled to the benefits as a |
|
result of the injury or death that is the subject of the action. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6442 (part).) |
|
Sec. 112.157. CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN SECTIONS. |
|
(a) Sections 112.152, 112.153, 112.154(d), 112.155, and 112.156 |
|
do not: |
|
(1) limit the duty or liability of a railroad operator |
|
or impair the rights of an employee under the Revised Statutes of |
|
1925; or |
|
(2) affect a right of action under another law of this |
|
state. |
|
(b) Except as provided by Section 112.151, a section listed |
|
in Subsection (a) controls over any other provision of the Revised |
|
Statutes of 1925 with which it conflicts. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6443.) |
|
Sec. 112.158. INJURY TO FELLOW SERVANT. (a) This section |
|
applies only to a corporation, receiver, or other person that |
|
controls or operates a railroad or street railway the line of which |
|
is located wholly or partly in this state. |
|
(b) An entity described by Subsection (a) is liable for |
|
damages sustained by an employee of the entity while the employee is |
|
engaged in the work of operating the cars, locomotives, or trains of |
|
the entity as a result of the negligence of any other employee of |
|
the entity, regardless of whether the negligent employee and the |
|
employee who sustained the damages are considered fellow servants. |
|
(c) Persons who are engaged in the common service of an |
|
entity described by Subsection (a) are considered fellow servants |
|
only if the persons are: |
|
(1) employed in the same grade of employment; |
|
(2) doing the same character of work or service; and |
|
(3) working together at the same time and place and at |
|
the same piece of work for a common purpose. |
|
(d) A person engaged in the service of an entity described |
|
by Subsection (a) is considered a vice principal of that entity if |
|
the person is entrusted by the entity with the authority of |
|
superintendence, control, or command of the other employees of the |
|
entity, with the authority to direct any other employee in the |
|
performance of any duty of the employee. |
|
(e) A vice principal of an entity described by Subsection |
|
(a) is not considered a fellow servant with other employees of the |
|
entity. |
|
(f) A contract between an employer and employee that limits |
|
the employer's liability under this section in the event of the |
|
death of or injury to the employee or setting damages that may be |
|
recovered under this section is not valid or binding. |
|
(g) This section does not impair or diminish the defense of |
|
contributory negligence if the injury of the employee is |
|
proximately caused by the employee's own contributory negligence. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Arts. 6432, 6433, 6434, 6435, 6436.) |
|
[Chapters 113-130 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBTITLE D. |
MISCELLANEOUS RAILROADS |
|
CHAPTER 131. MISCELLANEOUS RAILWAYS |
|
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 131.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON |
|
[Sections 131.002-131.010 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. |
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS |
|
Sec. 131.011. DEFINITION |
|
Sec. 131.012. EMINENT DOMAIN |
|
Sec. 131.013. RIGHT-OF-WAY |
|
Sec. |
131.014. CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY ALONG OR OVER |
|
WATERWAY OR INFRASTRUCTURE |
|
Sec. 131.015. USE OF ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY TRACKS |
|
Sec. 131.016. TIME REQUIRED FOR CONSTRUCTION |
|
Sec. 131.017. USE OF CONDEMNED TRACK |
|
[Sections 131.018-131.030 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. MERGER OF INTERURBAN RAILWAY |
|
|
Sec. 131.031. DEFINITION |
|
Sec. |
131.032. ACQUISITION OF RAILWAY PROPERTY |
|
AUTHORIZED |
|
Sec. 131.033. MUNICIPAL CONSENT REQUIRED |
|
Sec. 131.034. USE OF STREET RAILWAYS |
|
Sec. 131.035. LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION |
|
[Sections 131.036-131.060 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. PROVISION OF UTILITIES |
|
|
Sec. 131.061. INTERURBAN ELECTRIC RAILWAYS |
|
Sec. |
131.062. SUPPLY AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY BY |
|
STREET, SUBURBAN, OR BELT LINE RAILWAY |
|
[Sections 131.063-131.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. REDUCED STREET RAILWAY FARES |
|
|
Sec. 131.101. APPLICABILITY |
|
Sec. 131.102. CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 13 YEARS OF AGE |
|
Sec. 131.103. STUDENTS |
|
Sec. 131.104. CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN SIX YEARS OF AGE |
|
Sec. 131.105. TRANSFER RIGHTS |
|
[Sections 131.106-131.900 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER Z. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 131.901. STREET AND SUBURBAN RAILWAYS |
|
Sec. 131.902. FREIGHT INTERURBAN RAILWAYS |
|
Sec. |
131.903. BUILDINGS AND OTHER FACILITIES: CERTAIN |
|
RAILWAYS |
|
Sec. 131.904. MOTOR BUS LINES |
|
SUBTITLE D. MISCELLANEOUS RAILROADS |
|
CHAPTER 131. MISCELLANEOUS RAILWAYS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 131.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "person" includes a corporation, as provided by |
|
Section 312.011, Government Code; and |
|
(2) the definition of "person" assigned by Section |
|
311.005, Government Code, does not apply. (New.) |
|
[Sections 131.002-131.010 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. ELECTRIC RAILWAYS |
|
Sec. 131.011. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "interurban |
|
electric railway company" means a corporation chartered under the |
|
laws of this state to conduct and operate an electric railway |
|
between two municipalities in this state. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6540 |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 131.012. EMINENT DOMAIN. A corporation chartered for |
|
the purpose of constructing, acquiring, maintaining, or operating |
|
lines of electric railway between municipalities in this state for |
|
the transportation of freight, passengers, or both freight and |
|
passengers may: |
|
(1) exercise the power of eminent domain with all the |
|
rights and powers granted by law to a railroad company; and |
|
(2) enter, condemn, and appropriate land, |
|
right-of-way, easements, or other property of any person or |
|
corporation to acquire: |
|
(A) right-of-way on which to construct and |
|
operate lines of railway for the acquiring corporation; or |
|
(B) sites for depots or power plants. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6535.) |
|
Sec. 131.013. RIGHT-OF-WAY. (a) A corporation described |
|
by Section 131.012 may: |
|
(1) lay out right-of-way not to exceed 200 feet in |
|
width for its railways; |
|
(2) construct its railways and appurtenances on that |
|
right-of-way; and |
|
(3) with compensation being made in accordance with |
|
law: |
|
(A) take for the purpose of cuttings and |
|
embankments additional land necessary for the proper construction |
|
and security of its railways; and |
|
(B) cut down any tree or remove any structure |
|
that may be in danger of falling on or obstructing its railway. |
|
(b) The corporation may: |
|
(1) have an examination and survey of its proposed |
|
railway made as necessary to select the most advantageous route; |
|
and |
|
(2) for the purposes of Subdivision (1), enter on the |
|
land or water of any person or corporation, subject to |
|
responsibility for all damages that may be caused by the entrance, |
|
examination, or survey. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6536.) |
|
Sec. 131.014. CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY ALONG OR OVER |
|
WATERWAY OR INFRASTRUCTURE. (a) A corporation described by |
|
Section 131.012 may construct its railway along, across, or over |
|
any stream, water course, bay, navigable water, arm of the sea, |
|
street, highway, steam railway, turnpike, or canal located in the |
|
route of its electric railway. |
|
(b) The corporation may erect and operate a bridge, tram, |
|
trestle, or causeway, over, along, or across any stream, water |
|
course, bay, navigable water, arm of the sea, street, highway, |
|
turnpike, or canal described by Subsection (a). |
|
(c) A bridge or other structure described by Subsection (b) |
|
may not be erected so as to unnecessarily or unreasonably prevent |
|
the navigation of the stream, water course, bay, arm of the sea, or |
|
navigable water. |
|
(d) This section does not authorize the construction of an |
|
electric railway on or across a street, alley, square, or property |
|
of a municipality without the consent of the governing body of the |
|
municipality. |
|
(e) Before constructing an electric railway along or on a |
|
highway, turnpike, or canal, an interurban electric railway company |
|
must obtain the consent of the authority having jurisdiction over |
|
the highway, turnpike, or canal. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6537.) |
|
Sec. 131.015. USE OF ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY TRACKS. |
|
(a) An interurban electric railway company's power of eminent |
|
domain under this subchapter includes the power to condemn for its |
|
use and benefit easements and right-of-way to operate interurban |
|
cars along and on the track of an electric street railway company |
|
owning, controlling, or operating track on any public street or |
|
alley in a municipality for a purpose described by Subsection (b), |
|
subject to the consent, authority, and control of the governing |
|
body of the municipality. |
|
(b) Condemnation under Subsection (a) may be used only to |
|
secure an entrance into and an outlet from a municipality on a route |
|
designated by the governing body of the municipality. |
|
(c) In a proceeding to condemn an easement or right-of-way |
|
under this section, the court or the jury trying the case shall |
|
define and establish the terms on which the easement or |
|
right-of-way may be used. |
|
(d) A court rendering a judgment in a proceeding under this |
|
section may review and reform the terms of a grant and the |
|
provisions of the judgment on a subsequent application by a party to |
|
the original proceeding or a person claiming through or under a |
|
party to the original proceeding. |
|
(e) The hearing on an application brought under Subsection |
|
(d) is in the nature of a retrial of the proceeding with respect to |
|
the terms on which the easement may be used except that the court |
|
may not declare the easement forfeited or impair the exercise of the |
|
easement. |
|
(f) An application under Subsection (d) may not be made |
|
before the second anniversary of the date of the final judgment on |
|
the most recent application. (V.A.C.S. Arts. 6538, 6539.) |
|
Sec. 131.016. TIME REQUIRED FOR CONSTRUCTION. The rights |
|
secured under this chapter by an interurban electric railway |
|
company are void unless the road to be constructed under the charter |
|
of the company is fully constructed from one municipality to |
|
another within 12 months of the date of the final judgment awarding |
|
the company an easement or right-of-way under Section 131.015. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6540 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.017. USE OF CONDEMNED TRACK. (a) Unless the |
|
company whose track is condemned under this subchapter consents, an |
|
interurban electric railway company exercising the powers granted |
|
under this chapter may not receive for transportation freight or |
|
passengers at any location on the condemned track destined to |
|
another location on the condemned track. |
|
(b) A company that wilfully violates Subsection (a) |
|
forfeits the easement or right-of-way used to provide the |
|
transportation. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6540 (part).) |
|
[Sections 131.018-131.030 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. MERGER OF INTERURBAN RAILWAY |
|
Sec. 131.031. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "interurban |
|
railway" means an electric or other interurban line of railway in |
|
this state. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6543 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.032. ACQUISITION OF RAILWAY PROPERTY AUTHORIZED. |
|
(a) A corporation organized under the laws of this state that is |
|
authorized to construct, acquire, and operate an interurban railway |
|
may: |
|
(1) acquire, lease, or purchase the physical property, |
|
rights, and franchise of any other railway corporation with similar |
|
powers; or |
|
(2) lease or purchase physical property, rights, and |
|
franchises of any suburban or street railway corporation the |
|
railway lines of which are to be operated in connection with the |
|
interurban railway. |
|
(b) The owner of physical property or a right or franchise |
|
described by Subsection (a)(1) or (2) may sell or dispose of the |
|
property, right, or franchise to the corporation making an |
|
acquisition, lease, or purchase under Subsection (a). |
|
(c) An acquisition or purchase under this section may be on |
|
the terms: |
|
(1) agreed to by the board of directors of each |
|
corporation; and |
|
(2) authorized or approved by a majority of the |
|
stockholders of each corporation. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6543 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.033. MUNICIPAL CONSENT REQUIRED. (a) Before |
|
selling property under this subchapter, a corporation that owns or |
|
operates a street car railway must obtain the consent of the |
|
governing body of the municipality in which the street car line is |
|
located. |
|
(b) This subchapter does not affect a charter provision of a |
|
municipality that provides for the right of qualified voters of the |
|
municipality to vote on the granting or amending of franchise to a |
|
street or interurban railway. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6543 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.034. USE OF STREET RAILWAYS. A corporation |
|
authorized to construct, acquire, and operate an interurban railway |
|
and a corporation owning and operating a street railway may enter |
|
into a trackage or lease contract to allow for continuous passage |
|
into or through a municipality, subject to the consent of the |
|
governing body of the municipality. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6543 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.035. LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION. A corporation |
|
described by this subchapter may not: |
|
(1) acquire, own, control, or operate a parallel or |
|
competing interurban line; or |
|
(2) purchase, lease, acquire, own, or control, |
|
directly or indirectly, the shares or certificates of stock or |
|
bonds, a franchise or other right, or the physical property or any |
|
part of the property, of any corporation in violation of the law |
|
commonly known as the antitrust law. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6543 (part).) |
|
[Sections 131.036-131.060 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. PROVISION OF UTILITIES |
|
Sec. 131.061. INTERURBAN ELECTRIC RAILWAYS. An interurban |
|
electric railway company, as defined by Section 131.011, is |
|
entitled to produce, supply, and sell electric light and power to |
|
the public and to municipalities. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6541.) |
|
Sec. 131.062. SUPPLY AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY BY STREET, |
|
SUBURBAN, OR BELT LINE RAILWAY. A corporation organized under the |
|
general laws of this state that owns or operates with electric power |
|
any street or suburban railway or belt line of railways in and near |
|
a municipality for the transportation of freight and passengers |
|
within this state may: |
|
(1) supply and sell electric light and power to the |
|
public or a municipality; |
|
(2) acquire or otherwise provide appliances necessary |
|
for an activity authorized by Subdivision (1); and |
|
(3) in the manner provided by law, amend its articles |
|
of incorporation to expressly include the authority under this |
|
section. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6545 (part).) |
|
[Sections 131.063-131.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. REDUCED STREET RAILWAY FARES |
|
Sec. 131.101. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only |
|
to a person or corporation owning or operating a street railway in |
|
or on the public streets of a municipality with a population of |
|
40,000 or more. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6544 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.102. CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 13 YEARS OF AGE. |
|
(a) The owner or operator of a street railway shall transport a |
|
child younger than 13 years of age for half the fare regularly |
|
collected for the transportation of an adult. |
|
(b) This section does not apply to the transportation of a |
|
child to or from a school or other institution of learning located |
|
one mile or more outside the corporate limits of the municipality in |
|
which the street car operates. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6544 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.103. STUDENTS. (a) The owner or operator of a |
|
street railway shall sell or provide for the sale of tickets for |
|
half of the regular fare collected for the transportation of adults |
|
to students younger than 18 years of age who attend academic, |
|
public, or private school in a grade not higher than the highest |
|
grade of the public high schools located in or adjacent to the |
|
municipality in which the railway is located. |
|
(b) Tickets under this section must be sold in lots of 20, |
|
with each ticket valid for one trip over the railway lines. |
|
(c) Tickets under this section are not required to be sold |
|
unless the student making the purchase presents the written |
|
certificate of the principal of the school the student attends |
|
stating that the student: |
|
(1) is younger than 18 years of age; and |
|
(2) is in regular attendance at a school in a grade |
|
that qualifies under Subsection (a). |
|
(d) Tickets under this section are not required to be sold |
|
and may not be used except during the months when a school |
|
qualifying under Subsection (a) is in session. |
|
(e) A student described by Subsection (a) shall be |
|
transported at half fare only when the student presents a ticket |
|
issued under this section. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6544 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.104. CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN SIX YEARS OF AGE. The |
|
owner or operator of a street railway shall transport free of charge |
|
a child younger than six years of age when attended by a passenger |
|
who is at least six years of age. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6544 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.105. TRANSFER RIGHTS. The owner or operator of a |
|
street railway shall offer a passenger paying a reduced fare or no |
|
fare under this subchapter the same rights as to the use of |
|
transfers issued by the owner or operator's line or other lines as |
|
offered to a passenger paying full fare. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6544 |
|
(part).) |
|
[Sections 131.106-131.900 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER Z. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 131.901. STREET AND SUBURBAN RAILWAYS. (a) Street |
|
and suburban railways engaged in the transportation of freight in |
|
and near a municipality are subject to the control of the |
|
department. |
|
(b) A street railway company is not exempt from payment of |
|
assessments that may be imposed against it for street improvements. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6545 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.902. FREIGHT INTERURBAN RAILWAYS. (a) An entity |
|
incorporated as an electric, gas or gasoline, denatured alcohol, or |
|
naphtha interurban or motor railway that engages in transporting |
|
freight is subject to the control of the department. |
|
(b) A corporation described by Subsection (a) is not exempt |
|
from payment of assessments that may be imposed against it for |
|
street improvements. |
|
(c) An interurban railway described by Subsection (a): |
|
(1) may exercise the same power of eminent domain as |
|
given by law to railroads; |
|
(2) may exercise the power of eminent domain to |
|
acquire right-of-way on which to construct its railway lines and |
|
sites for depots and power plants; |
|
(3) has the same rights, powers, and privileges as |
|
granted by law to an interurban electric railway company; and |
|
(4) may acquire, hold, and operate other public |
|
utilities in and adjacent to a municipality in or through which the |
|
company operates. |
|
(d) An interurban railway company described by Subsection |
|
(a) may not condemn property on which is located a cemetery unless |
|
it is affirmatively shown, and found by the court trying the |
|
condemnation suit, that: |
|
(1) it is necessary to take the property; and |
|
(2) no other route is possible or practicable. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6546.) |
|
Sec. 131.903. BUILDINGS AND OTHER FACILITIES: CERTAIN |
|
RAILWAYS. A corporation organized before September 1, 1925, under |
|
any law of this state, that operates a line of electric, gas or |
|
gasoline, denatured alcohol, or naphtha motor railway in and |
|
between municipalities in this state, may: |
|
(1) own and operate union depots and office buildings; |
|
and |
|
(2) acquire, hold, and operate electric light and |
|
power plants in and adjacent to a municipality in or through which |
|
the railway operates. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6547 (part).) |
|
Sec. 131.904. MOTOR BUS LINES. (a) This section applies |
|
only to a corporation authorized to operate a street or suburban |
|
railway or an interurban railway and to carry passengers for hire. |
|
(b) Subject to the approval of the governing body of the |
|
municipality in which the corporation operates its railway, the |
|
corporation may: |
|
(1) substitute, wholly or partly, motor bus lines for |
|
its railway; and |
|
(2) maintain and operate automobile motor buses to |
|
carry passengers for hire on: |
|
(A) public roads, streets, plazas, alleys, and |
|
highways within the corporate limits of a municipality under |
|
regulations prescribed by the municipality; and |
|
(B) public roads and highways that are located |
|
outside the corporate limits of that municipality but within five |
|
miles of the corporate limits, under regulations prescribed by the |
|
commissioners court of the county. |
|
(c) The substitution of motor buses or the discontinuance of |
|
a railway under this section does not impair any corporate power of |
|
a corporation incorporated before August 30, 1933, as a street or |
|
interurban railway with respect to the operation of other public |
|
utilities authorized by a corporate charter or statute in effect on |
|
August 30, 1933. |
|
(d) A corporation acting under this section must amend its |
|
charter and pay any fee provided by law for the filing of the |
|
amendment. |
|
(e) This section may not be construed to impair the rights |
|
of a municipality under a franchise granted to a corporation or its |
|
predecessor before August 30, 1933. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6548 (part).) |
|
SECTION 2.04. Subtitle I, Title 5, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended by adding Chapters 172, 173, and 174 to read as follows: |
|
CHAPTER 172. |
RURAL RAIL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. |
GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 172.001. DEFINITIONS |
|
Sec. 172.002. NATURE OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. 172.003. FINDINGS |
|
[Sections 172.004-172.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. |
CREATION |
|
Sec. 172.051. APPLICABILITY |
|
Sec. |
172.052. CREATION OF DISTRICT BY MORE THAN ONE |
|
COUNTY |
|
Sec. 172.053. CREATION OF DISTRICT BY ONE COUNTY |
|
Sec. 172.054. NOTICE OF CREATION |
|
Sec. |
172.055. AUTOMATIC ASSUMPTION OF CONTRACTUAL |
|
|
|
|
DISTRICTS |
|
[Sections 172.056-172.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES |
|
|
Sec. 172.101. CONTROL OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. 172.102. TERMS |
|
Sec. 172.103. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE |
|
Sec. 172.104. VACANCY |
|
Sec. 172.105. REMOVAL |
|
Sec. 172.106. OFFICERS |
|
Sec. 172.107. MEETINGS; NOTICE |
|
Sec. 172.108. RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS |
|
Sec. 172.109. EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. |
172.110. PECUNIARY INTEREST IN CERTAIN CONTRACTS |
|
PROHIBITED |
|
[Sections 172.111-172.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. |
GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES |
|
Sec. |
172.151. GENERAL POWERS OF DISTRICT; GOVERNMENTAL |
|
FUNCTIONS |
|
Sec. 172.152. RULES |
|
Sec. 172.153. AGREEMENTS GENERALLY |
|
Sec. |
172.154. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER ENTITIES FOR JOINT |
|
USE |
|
Sec. 172.155. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS |
|
Sec. |
172.156. AWARDING CONSTRUCTION OR PURCHASE |
|
CONTRACTS |
|
Sec. 172.157. EMINENT DOMAIN |
|
Sec. 172.158. DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY |
|
Sec. 172.159. SUITS |
|
Sec. 172.160. PERPETUAL SUCCESSION |
|
[Sections 172.161-172.200 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. |
POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF RAIL FACILITIES |
|
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF RAIL FACILITIES |
|
|
Sec. 172.201. GENERAL AUTHORITY OVER RAIL FACILITIES |
|
Sec. |
172.202. USE AND ALTERATION OF PROPERTY OF |
|
ANOTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION |
|
Sec. 172.203. RULES GOVERNING SYSTEM; ROUTINGS |
|
Sec. 172.204. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY |
|
Sec. 172.205. POWERS RELATING TO DISTRICT PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
172.206. ACQUISITION OF ROLLING STOCK AND OTHER |
|
PROPERTY |
|
Sec. 172.207. COMPENSATION FOR USE OF SYSTEM FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 172.208. OPERATION OR USE CONTRACTS |
|
Sec. |
172.209. RAIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS |
|
WITH OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS |
|
Sec. 172.210. ABANDONMENT OF RAIL LINE |
|
[Sections 172.211-172.250 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 172.251. FISCAL YEAR |
|
Sec. 172.252. ANNUAL BUDGET |
|
Sec. 172.253. GRANTS AND LOANS |
|
Sec. 172.254. DEPOSITORY |
|
Sec. |
172.255. APPLICABILITY OF PUBLIC PROPERTY |
|
FINANCING LAW; PROHIBITION ON AD VALOREM TAX |
|
Sec. |
172.256. NONNEGOTIABLE PURCHASE MONEY NOTES; BOND |
|
ANTICIPATION NOTES |
|
Sec. 172.257. TAX EXEMPTION |
|
[Sections 172.258-172.300 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. |
BONDS |
|
Sec. 172.301. REVENUE BONDS |
|
Sec. 172.302. SECURITY FOR PAYMENT OF BONDS |
|
Sec. |
172.303. BONDS AS AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS |
|
AND SECURITY FOR DEPOSITS OF PUBLIC FUNDS |
|
Sec. |
172.304. APPLICABILITY OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT |
|
FINANCING LAW |
|
Sec. 172.305. LIMIT ON POWER |
|
Sec. |
172.306. EXEMPTION FROM REVIEW OF NOTES BY |
|
ATTORNEY GENERAL |
|
CHAPTER 172. RURAL RAIL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 172.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "Board" means a district's board of directors. |
|
(2) "Bonds" means: |
|
(A) bonds; |
|
(B) notes, including bond anticipation notes, |
|
revenue anticipation notes, and grant anticipation notes; |
|
(C) warrants; |
|
(D) certificates of obligation; |
|
(E) interest-bearing contracts; |
|
(F) interest-bearing leases of property; |
|
(G) equipment trust certificates; |
|
(H) commercial paper; and |
|
(I) any obligation issued to refund any type of |
|
bond. |
|
(3) "Director" means a board member. |
|
(4) "District" means a rural rail transportation |
|
district created under this chapter or under Chapter 623, Acts of |
|
the 67th Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, |
|
Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), as that chapter existed before |
|
April 1, 2011. |
|
(5) "Maintenance facility" includes a workshop, a |
|
service, storage, security, or personnel facility, temporary or |
|
transient lodging for district employees, and equipment for any |
|
type of facility. |
|
(6) "Maintenance and operating expenses" means all |
|
expenses of operating and maintaining a district and its rail |
|
facilities, including: |
|
(A) all compensation, labor, materials, repairs, |
|
and extensions necessary, required, or convenient in the board's |
|
discretion to render efficient service or to maintain and operate |
|
the district; and |
|
(B) taxes or other amounts paid, payable, or to |
|
be paid to the United States under Section 148(f), Internal Revenue |
|
Code of 1986, or any similar law. |
|
(7) "Rail facilities" means: |
|
(A) property, or an interest in that property, |
|
that the board determines is necessary or convenient to provide a |
|
rural rail transportation system; and |
|
(B) property or an interest necessary or |
|
convenient to acquire, provide, construct, enlarge, remodel, |
|
renovate, improve, furnish, use, or equip the system, including: |
|
(i) a right-of-way; |
|
(ii) an earthwork or structure, including |
|
clearing and grubbing of right-of-way, demolition of a structure, |
|
relocation of utilities, a pipeline, or any other obstacle in a |
|
right-of-way, stripping and stockpiling, removal of subsoil for |
|
embankment or spoil, a borrow pit, dressing and seeding of a slope, |
|
construction of a culvert, a road crossing, a bridge, restoration |
|
of a roadway, drainage within a right-of-way or along a road |
|
network, and restoration of a hydrologic system; |
|
(iii) trackwork; |
|
(iv) a train control, including signalling, |
|
interlocking equipment, speed monitoring equipment, an emergency |
|
braking system, a central traffic control facility, and a |
|
communication system; |
|
(v) a passenger or freight service |
|
building, terminal, or station, a ticketing facility, a waiting |
|
area, a platform, a concession, an elevator, an escalator, a |
|
facility for handicapped access, an access road, a parking facility |
|
for passengers, a baggage handling facility, a local maintenance |
|
facility, and offices for district purposes and includes an |
|
interest in real property necessary or convenient for an item |
|
listed under this subparagraph; |
|
(vi) rolling stock; and |
|
(vii) a maintenance facility. |
|
(8) "Revenue" means the income, receipts, and |
|
collections received by, to be received by, or pledged to the |
|
district from or by any source, except a restricted gift or a grant |
|
in aid of construction. |
|
(9) "Right-of-way" means: |
|
(A) a right of passage over property; |
|
(B) a strip of land in length and width |
|
determined required, necessary, or convenient by the board over, |
|
on, or under which trackwork is or is to be constructed or acquired; |
|
or |
|
(C) a right of precedential passing. |
|
(10) "Rolling stock" means a locomotive, an engine, a |
|
rail car, a repair construction car, or another car designed to |
|
operate on trackwork. |
|
(11) "Trackwork" means track, a track bed, track bed |
|
preparation, a tie, a rail fastener, a slab, a rail, an emergency |
|
crossover, a setout track, storage track, and a switch. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c, Secs. 2(1), (2), (4), (5), (8), (9), (11), (12), (13), |
|
(14), (15), (16), (17); New.) |
|
Sec. 172.002. NATURE OF DISTRICT. (a) A district is a |
|
public body and a political subdivision of this state exercising |
|
public and essential governmental functions. |
|
(b) A district, in the exercise of powers under this |
|
chapter, is performing only governmental functions and is a |
|
governmental unit under Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies |
|
Code. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(a) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.003. FINDINGS. The legislature finds that: |
|
(1) the state contains many rural areas that are |
|
heavily dependent on agriculture for economic survival; |
|
(2) transportation of agricultural and industrial |
|
products is essential to the continued economic vitality of rural |
|
areas; |
|
(3) the rail transportation systems in some rural |
|
areas are threatened by railroad bankruptcies and abandonment |
|
proceedings that would cause the cessation of rail services to the |
|
areas; |
|
(4) it is in the interest of all citizens of the state |
|
that existing rail systems be maintained for the most efficient and |
|
economical movement of essential agricultural products from the |
|
areas of production to the local, national, and export markets; |
|
(5) rural rail transportation districts are |
|
appropriate political subdivisions to provide for the continued |
|
operation of railroads, which are declared by Section 2, Article X, |
|
Texas Constitution, to be public highways; |
|
(6) the creation, re-creation, financing, |
|
maintenance, and operation of rural rail transportation districts |
|
and facilities acquired by the districts under this chapter will |
|
help develop, maintain, and diversify the economy of the state, |
|
eliminate unemployment or underemployment, foster the growth of |
|
enterprises based on agriculture, and serve to develop and expand |
|
transportation and commerce within the state under the authority |
|
granted by Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution; and |
|
(7) financing by rural rail transportation districts |
|
for the purposes provided by this chapter is a lawful and valid |
|
public purpose. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 1.) |
|
[Sections 172.004-172.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. CREATION |
|
Sec. 172.051. APPLICABILITY. A county is eligible to |
|
create a district as provided by this chapter only if a rail line is |
|
located in the county that: |
|
(1) is being or has been abandoned through a |
|
bankruptcy court or Surface Transportation Board proceeding; or |
|
(2) carries three million gross tons per mile per year |
|
or less. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 2(6) (part), 3(b), 3A(a) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 172.052. CREATION OF DISTRICT BY MORE THAN ONE COUNTY. |
|
(a) The commissioners courts of two or more counties that are a |
|
contiguous area may by concurrent order: |
|
(1) create a district; or |
|
(2) provide for the re-creation of a district by the |
|
addition of one or more counties. |
|
(b) The district consists of the territory of each county |
|
whose commissioners court adopts the concurrent order. |
|
(c) Each concurrent order must: |
|
(1) contain identical provisions for creation or |
|
re-creation; |
|
(2) be adopted at the time of the creation or |
|
re-creation; |
|
(3) declare the boundaries of the district as the |
|
boundaries of the counties included; |
|
(4) designate the district's name; and |
|
(5) designate the number of directors, which may not |
|
be less than four, and the manner of the directors' appointment by a |
|
commissioners court. |
|
(d) The commissioners court of each county included in a |
|
district by order may provide for the district's dissolution if |
|
each commissioners court determines that the dissolution will not |
|
impair an obligation of any contract of the district. The |
|
dissolution order is effective only on the creation or re-creation |
|
of another district in which each county included in the dissolving |
|
district is included. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 2(3), (6) |
|
(part), 3(a), (c), (d).) |
|
Sec. 172.053. CREATION OF DISTRICT BY ONE COUNTY. (a) The |
|
commissioners court of a county may by order create a district in |
|
that county to develop, finance, maintain, and operate a new rail |
|
system under this chapter and for other purposes of this chapter. |
|
(b) The boundaries of a district created under this section |
|
are the boundaries of the county in which the district is created. |
|
(c) At the time the district is created, the commissioners |
|
court shall: |
|
(1) designate the district's name; and |
|
(2) appoint at least four residents of the county to |
|
serve as directors. |
|
(d) The commissioners court of the county by order may |
|
provide for the district's dissolution if the commissioners court |
|
determines that the dissolution will not impair an obligation of |
|
any contract of the district. The dissolution order is effective |
|
only on the creation of another district in which the county is |
|
included. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 3A(a) (part), (b), (c), |
|
(f).) |
|
Sec. 172.054. NOTICE OF CREATION. (a) The board of each |
|
newly created district shall provide notice to the Texas |
|
Transportation Institute of the district's creation. |
|
(b) On being notified by the board, the Texas Transportation |
|
Institute shall make available to the board a guide to the services |
|
and information that the institute provides. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, |
|
Sec. 3(f).) |
|
Sec. 172.055. AUTOMATIC ASSUMPTION OF CONTRACTUAL |
|
OBLIGATIONS AFTER CREATION BY CERTAIN DISTRICTS. A district |
|
created or re-created under Section 172.052 automatically assumes |
|
any obligation of a contract executed by the district or a |
|
predecessor district that is in force on the date of the creation or |
|
re-creation unless the contract expressly expires on the date of |
|
dissolution or re-creation of the district that executed the |
|
contract. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 3(e).) |
|
[Sections 172.056-172.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. 172.101. CONTROL OF DISTRICT. (a) The board is |
|
responsible for the management, operation, and control of the |
|
district. |
|
(b) The right to control and regulate district affairs is |
|
vested exclusively in the board except as specifically otherwise |
|
provided by this chapter. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 4(a), (d) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 172.102. TERMS. (a) A director serves a two-year |
|
term. |
|
(b) An initial director serves a term ending on the second |
|
anniversary of the date: |
|
(1) the latest concurrent order creating or |
|
re-creating the district under Section 172.052 was adopted; or |
|
(2) an order creating the district under Section |
|
172.053 was adopted. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 3A(d), 4(b) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 172.103. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. (a) To be |
|
eligible for appointment as a director, a person must be a resident |
|
of the county governed by the commissioners court that appoints the |
|
person. |
|
(b) An elected officer of this state or a political |
|
subdivision of this state who is not prohibited by the Texas |
|
Constitution from serving on the board is eligible to serve on the |
|
board. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 3A(c) (part), (e), 4(b) (part), |
|
(g).) |
|
Sec. 172.104. VACANCY. The commissioners court that |
|
appointed a director who vacates the position shall appoint a |
|
director for the unexpired term. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. |
|
3A(e), 4(b) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.105. REMOVAL. (a) The commissioners court that |
|
appointed a director may remove the director from office for |
|
neglect of duty or malfeasance in office after: |
|
(1) at least 10 days' written notice to the director; |
|
and |
|
(2) a hearing before the commissioners court. |
|
(b) At the hearing on the question of removal of a director, |
|
the director is entitled to be heard in person or through counsel. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 3A(e), 4(b) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.106. OFFICERS. The board shall select a |
|
president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. The secretary |
|
is not required to be a director. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. |
|
3A(e), 4(c) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.107. MEETINGS; NOTICE. (a) The board shall hold |
|
at least one regular meeting each month to conduct district |
|
business. |
|
(b) The president may call a special board meeting. |
|
(c) Chapter 551, Government Code, applies to board |
|
meetings, except that notice of a board meeting shall be posted at |
|
the administrative office of the district and at the courthouse in |
|
the county in which that office is located. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, |
|
Secs. 3A(e), 4(c) (part), (f).) |
|
Sec. 172.108. RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS. The board shall adopt |
|
rules for its proceedings. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 4(d) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 172.109. EMPLOYEES. The board may employ and |
|
compensate persons to carry out the powers and duties of the |
|
district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 4(d) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.110. PECUNIARY INTEREST IN CERTAIN CONTRACTS |
|
PROHIBITED. A district employee may not have a direct or indirect |
|
pecuniary interest in any contract or agreement to which the |
|
district is a party. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 4(e).) |
|
[Sections 172.111-172.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES |
|
Sec. 172.151. GENERAL POWERS OF DISTRICT; GOVERNMENTAL |
|
FUNCTIONS. (a) A district has all powers necessary or convenient |
|
to carry out the purposes of this chapter. |
|
(b) A district may generally perform all acts necessary for |
|
the full exercise of the district's powers. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, |
|
Secs. 5(a) (part), (k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.152. RULES. To protect the state's health, |
|
safety, and general welfare, a district may adopt rules to govern |
|
the operation of the district, its employees, the rail facilities, |
|
service provided by the district, and any other necessary matter |
|
concerning its purposes, including rules regarding health, safety, |
|
alcohol or beverage service, food service, or telephone or utility |
|
service. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(h).) |
|
Sec. 172.153. AGREEMENTS GENERALLY. A district may make |
|
contracts, leases, and agreements with the United States, this |
|
state and its agencies and political subdivisions, public or |
|
private corporations, and any other person. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, |
|
Sec. 5(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.154. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER ENTITIES FOR JOINT USE. |
|
A district may: |
|
(1) enter into agreements with a public utility, |
|
private utility, communication system, common carrier, or |
|
transportation system for the joint use of its facilities, |
|
installations, or property inside or outside the district; and |
|
(2) establish: |
|
(A) through routes; |
|
(B) joint fares; and |
|
(C) divisions of tariffs, subject to approval of |
|
a tariff-regulating body that has jurisdiction. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c, Sec. 5(g).) |
|
Sec. 172.155. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS. A district may |
|
enter into a joint ownership agreement with any person. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(i).) |
|
Sec. 172.156. AWARDING CONSTRUCTION OR PURCHASE CONTRACTS. |
|
(a) A contract in the amount of more than $15,000 for the |
|
construction of improvements or the purchase of material, |
|
machinery, equipment, supplies, or any other property except real |
|
property may be awarded only through competitive bidding after |
|
notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the |
|
district at least 15 days before the date set for receiving bids. |
|
(b) A board may adopt rules governing the taking of bids and |
|
the awarding of contracts. |
|
(c) This section does not apply to: |
|
(1) personal or professional services; or |
|
(2) the acquisition of an existing rail transportation |
|
system. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 7.) |
|
Sec. 172.157. EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) A district may exercise |
|
the power of eminent domain to acquire: |
|
(1) land in fee simple; or |
|
(2) any interest less than fee simple in, on, under, or |
|
above land, including an easement, right-of-way, or right of use of |
|
airspace or subsurface space. |
|
(b) A district may not exercise the power of eminent domain |
|
in a manner that would unduly interfere with interstate commerce. |
|
(c) An eminent domain proceeding brought by a district is |
|
governed by Chapter 21, Property Code, except to the extent |
|
inconsistent with this chapter. |
|
(d) An eminent domain proceeding is begun by the board's |
|
adoption of a resolution declaring that the district's acquisition |
|
of the property or interest described in the resolution: |
|
(1) is a public necessity; and |
|
(2) is necessary and proper for the construction, |
|
extension, improvement, or development of rail facilities and is in |
|
the public interest. |
|
(e) The resolution is conclusive evidence of the public |
|
necessity of the proposed acquisition and that the real property or |
|
interest in property is necessary for public use. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(f).) |
|
Sec. 172.158. DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY. (a) A |
|
district may sell, lease, convey, or otherwise dispose of any |
|
right, interest, or property not needed for or, in the case of a |
|
lease, not inconsistent with the efficient operation and |
|
maintenance of the system. |
|
(b) A district may, on adoption of an order by the board, |
|
sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of surplus property not needed |
|
for district requirements or to carry out district powers under |
|
this chapter. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(l).) |
|
Sec. 172.159. SUITS. (a) A district may: |
|
(1) sue and be sued; |
|
(2) institute and prosecute suits without giving |
|
security for costs; and |
|
(3) appeal from a judgment without giving a |
|
supersedeas or cost bond. |
|
(b) An action at law or in equity against the district must |
|
be brought in the county in which the principal office of the |
|
district is located, except that a suit in eminent domain must be |
|
brought in the county in which the land is located. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c, Sec. 5(c).) |
|
Sec. 172.160. PERPETUAL SUCCESSION. A district has |
|
perpetual succession. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(b).) |
|
[Sections 172.161-172.200 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION, |
|
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF RAIL FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 172.201. GENERAL AUTHORITY OVER RAIL FACILITIES. A |
|
district may plan, acquire, construct, complete, develop, own, |
|
operate, and maintain rail facilities inside or outside the |
|
district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(e) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.202. USE AND ALTERATION OF PROPERTY OF ANOTHER |
|
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. For a purpose described by Section 172.201, |
|
as necessary or useful in the construction, reconstruction, repair, |
|
maintenance, and operation of rail facilities, and subject to a |
|
grant previously secured or with the consent of a municipality, |
|
county, or other political subdivision, a district may: |
|
(1) use streets, alleys, roads, highways, and other |
|
public ways of the political subdivision; and |
|
(2) relocate, raise, reroute, change the grade of, or |
|
alter, at the district's expense, the construction of a publicly |
|
owned or privately owned street, alley, highway, road, railroad, |
|
electric line or facility, telegraph or telephone property or |
|
facility, pipeline or facility, conduit or facility, and other |
|
property. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(e) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.203. RULES GOVERNING SYSTEM; ROUTINGS. A district |
|
by resolution may adopt rules governing the use, operation, and |
|
maintenance of the system and shall determine all routings and |
|
change them when the board considers it advisable. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c, Sec. 5(m).) |
|
Sec. 172.204. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY. (a) A district may |
|
purchase, whenever the district considers the purchase expedient, |
|
land, property rights, right-of-way, franchises, easements, and |
|
other interests in land the district considers necessary to |
|
acquire, construct, or operate a rail facility on terms and at a |
|
price to which the district and the owner agree. |
|
(b) The district may take title to the land or interest in |
|
the district's name. |
|
(c) The governing body of a municipality, a county, any |
|
other political subdivision, or a public agency may convey without |
|
advertisement the title or the rights and easements to property |
|
needed by the district for its purposes in connection with the |
|
acquisition, construction, or operation of rail facilities. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(e) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.205. POWERS RELATING TO DISTRICT PROPERTY. A |
|
district may acquire by grant, purchase, gift, devise, lease, or |
|
otherwise and may hold, use, sell, lease, or dispose of property, |
|
including a license, a patent, a right, or an interest, necessary, |
|
convenient, or useful for the full exercise of its powers under this |
|
chapter. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(d).) |
|
Sec. 172.206. ACQUISITION OF ROLLING STOCK AND OTHER |
|
PROPERTY. A district may acquire rolling stock or other property, |
|
under a conditional sales contract, lease, equipment trust |
|
certificate, or other form of contract or trust agreement. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.207. COMPENSATION FOR USE OF SYSTEM FACILITIES. |
|
(a) A district shall establish and maintain reasonable and |
|
nondiscriminatory rents or other compensation for the use of the |
|
facilities of the system acquired, constructed, operated, |
|
regulated, or maintained by the district. |
|
(b) Together with grants received by the district, the rents |
|
or other compensation must be sufficient to produce revenue |
|
adequate to: |
|
(1) pay all expenses necessary for the operation and |
|
maintenance of the district's property and facilities; |
|
(2) pay the principal of and interest on all bonds |
|
issued by the district payable wholly or partly from the revenue, as |
|
they become due and payable; and |
|
(3) fulfill the terms of agreements made with the |
|
holders of bonds or with any person on their behalf. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(j).) |
|
Sec. 172.208. OPERATION OR USE CONTRACTS. (a) A district |
|
may: |
|
(1) lease all or part of the rail facilities to any |
|
operator; or |
|
(2) contract for the use or operation of all or part of |
|
the rail facilities by any operator. |
|
(b) To the maximum extent practicable, the district shall |
|
encourage the participation of private enterprise in the operation |
|
of rail facilities. |
|
(c) The term of an operating contract under this section may |
|
not exceed 20 years. In this subsection, "operating contract" |
|
means a professional services contract executed by a district and |
|
another person under which the person agrees to provide all or part |
|
of the: |
|
(1) rolling stock required for operation as a common |
|
carrier over all or a part of the rail facilities of the district; |
|
and |
|
(2) personnel required for the operation of the |
|
rolling stock owned or leased by the district or for the operation |
|
of the rail facilities of the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, |
|
Secs. 2(7), 5(n).) |
|
Sec. 172.209. RAIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH |
|
OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS. A district may contract with a |
|
county or other political subdivision of this state for the |
|
district to provide rail transportation services to an area outside |
|
the district on terms to which the parties agree. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c, Sec. 5(o).) |
|
Sec. 172.210. ABANDONMENT OF RAIL LINE. (a) A district |
|
may not abandon a district rail line for which state money has been |
|
loaned or granted unless the abandonment is approved by the |
|
commission as being consistent with the policies of this chapter. |
|
(b) The commission by rule shall adopt procedures for |
|
applying for and obtaining approval for abandonment under this |
|
section. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(r).) |
|
[Sections 172.211-172.250 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 172.251. FISCAL YEAR. (a) Unless the board changes |
|
the fiscal year, the district's fiscal year ends on September 30. |
|
(b) The board may not change the fiscal year more than once |
|
in a three-year period. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(p) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.252. ANNUAL BUDGET. (a) Before beginning the |
|
operation of rail facilities, the board shall adopt an annual |
|
operating budget specifying the district's anticipated revenue and |
|
expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. The district shall |
|
adopt an operating budget for each succeeding fiscal year. |
|
(b) The board must hold a public hearing before adopting |
|
each budget except the initial budget. Notice of the hearing must |
|
be published at least seven days before the date of the hearing in a |
|
newspaper of general circulation in the district. |
|
(c) A budget may be amended at any time if notice of the |
|
proposed amendment is given in the notice of meeting. |
|
(d) An expenditure that is not budgeted may not be made. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(p) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.253. GRANTS AND LOANS. A district may accept a |
|
grant or loan from the United States, this state and its agencies |
|
and political subdivisions, public or private corporations, and any |
|
other person. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.254. DEPOSITORY. (a) The board by resolution |
|
shall name one or more banks for the deposit of district funds. |
|
(b) District funds are public funds and may be invested in |
|
securities permitted by Chapter 2256, Government Code. |
|
(c) To the extent district funds are not insured by the |
|
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or its successor, the funds |
|
shall be collateralized in the manner provided for county funds. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(q).) |
|
Sec. 172.255. APPLICABILITY OF PUBLIC PROPERTY FINANCING |
|
LAW; PROHIBITION ON AD VALOREM TAX. A district may use the |
|
procedures provided by Chapter 271, Local Government Code, to |
|
finance the district's rail facilities, except to the extent of a |
|
conflict with this chapter, and except that the district may not |
|
impose an ad valorem tax. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 6A(a).) |
|
Sec. 172.256. NONNEGOTIABLE PURCHASE MONEY NOTES; BOND |
|
ANTICIPATION NOTES. (a) A district may: |
|
(1) issue nonnegotiable purchase money notes, payable |
|
in installments and secured by the property being acquired or |
|
constructed, to acquire or construct rail facilities; or |
|
(2) secure the obligation of the notes by a pledge or |
|
by issuing bonds, including bond anticipation notes. |
|
(b) A district may covenant with the purchaser of bond |
|
anticipation notes that the proceeds of one or more particular |
|
series of bonds will be used for the ultimate payment of the |
|
purchase money notes or bond anticipation notes. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c, Sec. 6A(b).) |
|
Sec. 172.257. TAX EXEMPTION. District property and revenue |
|
and the interest on bonds issued by the district are exempt from any |
|
tax imposed by this state or a political subdivision of this state. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 8.) |
|
[Sections 172.258-172.300 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. BONDS |
|
Sec. 172.301. REVENUE BONDS. A district, by board |
|
resolution, may issue revenue bonds in amounts that the board |
|
considers necessary or appropriate for the acquisition, purchase, |
|
construction, reconstruction, repair, equipping, improvement, or |
|
extension of its rail facilities. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Secs. 6(a) |
|
(part), (e).) |
|
Sec. 172.302. SECURITY FOR PAYMENT OF BONDS. (a) To |
|
secure payment of district bonds, the district may: |
|
(1) encumber and pledge all or part of the revenue of |
|
its rail facilities; and |
|
(2) encumber all or part of the property of the rail |
|
facilities and everything pertaining to them acquired or to be |
|
acquired. |
|
(b) Unless prohibited by the resolution or indenture |
|
relating to outstanding bonds, a district may encumber separately |
|
any item of property. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 6(c) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.303. BONDS AS AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS AND SECURITY |
|
FOR DEPOSITS OF PUBLIC FUNDS. (a) District bonds are legal and |
|
authorized investments for: |
|
(1) a bank; |
|
(2) a trust company; |
|
(3) a savings and loan association; and |
|
(4) an insurance company. |
|
(b) The bonds are: |
|
(1) eligible to secure the deposit of public funds of |
|
this state or a municipality, a county, a school district, or any |
|
other political corporation or subdivision of this state; and |
|
(2) lawful and sufficient security for the deposit to |
|
the extent of the principal amount or market value of the bonds, |
|
whichever is less. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 6(d).) |
|
Sec. 172.304. APPLICABILITY OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT |
|
FINANCING LAW. For purposes of Chapter 1371, Government Code: |
|
(1) a district is an issuer; and |
|
(2) the acquisition, improvement, or repair of rail |
|
facilities by a district is an eligible project. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c, Sec. 5(a) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.305. LIMIT ON POWER. A revenue bond indenture may |
|
limit the exercise of the power granted by Section 172.002, |
|
172.151, 172.152, 172.153, 172.154, 172.155, 172.157, 172.158, |
|
172.159, 172.160, 172.201, 172.202, 172.203, 172.204, 172.205, |
|
172.206, 172.207, 172.208, 172.209, 172.210, 172.251, 172.252, |
|
172.253, 172.254, or 172.304. The limitation applies while any of |
|
the revenue bonds issued under the indenture are outstanding and |
|
unpaid. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 5(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 172.306. EXEMPTION FROM REVIEW OF NOTES BY ATTORNEY |
|
GENERAL. District notes authorized to be issued to an agency of the |
|
federal or state government, and related records, are not required |
|
to be submitted to the attorney general for examination under |
|
Chapter 1202, Government Code. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c, Sec. 6(b) |
|
(part).) |
|
CHAPTER 173. INTERMUNICIPAL COMMUTER RAIL DISTRICTS |
|
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 173.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON |
|
Sec. 173.002. DEFINITIONS |
|
Sec. 173.003. LOCATION OF MUNICIPALITY IN COUNTY |
|
Sec. 173.004. NATURE OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. 173.005. SUNSET PROVISION |
|
[Sections 173.006-173.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. CREATION |
|
|
Sec. 173.051. CREATION OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. |
173.052. ADDITION OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION TO |
|
DISTRICT |
|
[Sections 173.053-173.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES |
|
|
Sec. 173.101. CONTROL OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. 173.102. COMPOSITION OF BOARD; TERMS |
|
Sec. 173.103. VACANCY |
|
Sec. 173.104. PRESIDING OFFICER |
|
Sec. 173.105. MEETINGS |
|
Sec. |
173.106. BOARD MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR |
|
VIDEOCONFERENCE |
|
Sec. 173.107. RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS |
|
Sec. 173.108. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT |
|
Sec. 173.109. EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. 173.110. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE |
|
Sec. 173.111. RETIREMENT BENEFITS |
|
[Sections 173.112-173.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES |
|
|
Sec. 173.151. GENERAL POWERS OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. 173.152. RULES |
|
Sec. 173.153. AGREEMENTS GENERALLY |
|
Sec. |
173.154. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER ENTITIES FOR JOINT |
|
USE |
|
Sec. 173.155. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS |
|
Sec. 173.156. EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS |
|
Sec. 173.157. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS WITH COMMISSION |
|
Sec. |
173.158. AWARDING CONSTRUCTION OR PURCHASE |
|
CONTRACTS |
|
Sec. 173.159. EMINENT DOMAIN |
|
Sec. 173.160. SUITS |
|
[Sections 173.161-173.200 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION, |
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF COMMUTER RAIL FACILITIES |
|
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF COMMUTER RAIL FACILITIES |
|
|
Sec. |
173.201. GENERAL AUTHORITY OVER COMMUTER RAIL |
|
FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 173.202. POWERS RELATING TO DISTRICT PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
173.203. USE AND ALTERATION OF PROPERTY OF |
|
ANOTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION |
|
Sec. 173.204. RULES GOVERNING SYSTEM AND ROUTINGS |
|
Sec. 173.205. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
173.206. ACQUISITION OF ROLLING STOCK AND OTHER |
|
PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
173.207. COMPENSATION FOR USE OF SYSTEM |
|
FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 173.208. OPERATION OR USE CONTRACTS |
|
Sec. |
173.209. RAIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS |
|
WITH OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS |
|
[Sections 173.210-173.250 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. |
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 173.251. FISCAL YEAR |
|
Sec. 173.252. ANNUAL BUDGET |
|
Sec. 173.253. GRANTS AND LOANS |
|
Sec. 173.254. DEPOSITORY |
|
Sec. |
173.255. PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL INSURED |
|
PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. |
173.256. FINANCING OF CERTAIN TRANSPORTATION |
|
INFRASTRUCTURE |
|
Sec. 173.257. TAX EXEMPTION |
|
[Sections 173.258-173.300 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. BONDS |
|
|
Sec. 173.301. REVENUE BONDS |
|
Sec. 173.302. SECURITY FOR PAYMENT OF BONDS |
|
Sec. |
173.303. BONDS AS AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS AND SECURITY FOR |
|
DEPOSITS OF PUBLIC FUNDS |
|
Sec. 173.304. LIMIT ON POWER |
|
[Sections 173.305-173.350 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. SALES AND USE TAXES |
|
|
Sec. 173.351. TAX AUTHORIZED |
|
Sec. 173.352. TAX RATE |
|
Sec. 173.353. PREEMPTION OF OTHER SALES AND USE TAXES |
|
Sec. 173.354. APPLICABILITY OF TAX CODE |
|
Sec. 173.355. NOTICE TO COMPTROLLER |
|
Sec. 173.356. NOTICE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS |
|
Sec. |
173.357. ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL TERRITORY |
|
SUBJECT TO TAX |
|
Sec. 173.358. DUTY OF COMPTROLLER |
|
Sec. 173.359. EFFECTIVE DATE OF TAX |
|
CHAPTER 173. INTERMUNICIPAL COMMUTER RAIL DISTRICTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 173.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "person" includes a corporation, as provided by |
|
Section 312.011, Government Code; and |
|
(2) the definition of "person" assigned by Section |
|
311.005, Government Code, does not apply. (New.) |
|
Sec. 173.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "Board" means a district's board of directors. |
|
(2) "Commuter rail facility" means any property |
|
necessary for the transportation of passengers and baggage between |
|
locations in a district. The term includes rolling stock, |
|
locomotives, stations, parking areas, and rail lines. |
|
(3) "Creating municipality" means a municipality |
|
described by Section 173.051(a). |
|
(4) "Director" means a board member. |
|
(5) "District" means an intermunicipal commuter rail |
|
district created under this chapter or under Article 6550c-1, |
|
Revised Statutes, as that article existed before April 1, 2011. |
|
(6) "District property" means property the district |
|
owns or leases under a long-term lease. |
|
(7) "System" means all of the commuter rail and |
|
intermodal facilities leased or owned by or operated on behalf of a |
|
district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Secs. 1(2), (3), (5), (6), (7); |
|
New.) |
|
Sec. 173.003. LOCATION OF MUNICIPALITY IN COUNTY. For |
|
purposes of this chapter, a municipality is located in a county only |
|
if 90 percent or more of the population of the municipality resides |
|
in that county. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 2(d).) |
|
Sec. 173.004. NATURE OF DISTRICT. (a) A district is a |
|
public body and a political subdivision of this state exercising |
|
public and essential governmental functions. |
|
(b) A district, in the exercise of powers under this |
|
chapter, is performing only governmental functions and is a |
|
governmental unit under Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies |
|
Code. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(a) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.005. SUNSET PROVISION. A district is subject |
|
every 12th year to review under Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas |
|
Sunset Act). (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(b).) |
|
[Sections 173.006-173.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. CREATION |
|
Sec. 173.051. CREATION OF DISTRICT. (a) A district may be |
|
created to provide commuter rail service between two |
|
municipalities: |
|
(1) each of which has a population of more than |
|
450,000; and |
|
(2) that are located not farther than 100 miles |
|
apart as determined by the department. |
|
(b) The creating municipalities and the counties in which |
|
the creating municipalities are located may create a district on |
|
passage of a resolution favoring creation by the governing body of |
|
each municipality or county. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Secs. 2(a), |
|
(b).) |
|
Sec. 173.052. ADDITION OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION TO |
|
DISTRICT. The following political subdivisions may become a part |
|
of a district with the approval of the governing body of the |
|
political subdivision: |
|
(1) a county located adjacent to the county in which a |
|
creating municipality is located; and |
|
(2) a municipality with a population of more than |
|
18,000 located in a county described by Subdivision (1). (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 2(c).) |
|
[Sections 173.053-173.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. 173.101. CONTROL OF DISTRICT. A district is governed |
|
by a board of directors. The board is responsible for the |
|
management, operation, and control of the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 3(a).) |
|
Sec. 173.102. COMPOSITION OF BOARD; TERMS. (a) The board |
|
is composed of: |
|
(1) two public directors appointed by the commission; |
|
(2) one elected member of the governing body of each |
|
political subdivision that has become a part of the district under |
|
Subchapter B; |
|
(3) one elected director appointed by the regional |
|
planning organization of which a creating municipality is a part; |
|
(4) one director appointed by each creating |
|
municipality to represent the business community of the |
|
municipality; |
|
(5) one director appointed by each authority created |
|
under Chapter 451 that serves a creating municipality; |
|
(6) one director appointed by each county in which a |
|
creating municipality is located to represent transportation |
|
providers that provide service to rural areas in the county; and |
|
(7) one director appointed by all other directors to |
|
represent all municipalities in the district that do not otherwise |
|
have representation on the board who is an elected official of one |
|
of those municipalities. |
|
(b) Each director serves a staggered two-year term, with as |
|
near as possible to half of the directors' terms expiring February 1 |
|
of each year. If one or more directors are added to the board, the |
|
directors other than the new directors shall determine the lengths |
|
of the new directors' terms so that one-half, or as near one-half as |
|
possible, of the directors serve terms expiring each year. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Secs. 3(b), (c) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.103. VACANCY. A vacancy on the board shall be |
|
filled in the same manner as the original appointment or election. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 3(c) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.104. PRESIDING OFFICER. (a) The directors shall |
|
elect one member as presiding officer. |
|
(b) The presiding officer may select another director to |
|
preside in the absence of the presiding officer. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 3(d).) |
|
Sec. 173.105. MEETINGS. The presiding officer shall call |
|
at least one meeting of the board each year and may hold other |
|
meetings as the presiding officer determines are appropriate. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 3(e).) |
|
Sec. 173.106. BOARD MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR |
|
VIDEOCONFERENCE. (a) Chapter 551, Government Code, does not |
|
prohibit the board from holding an open or closed meeting by |
|
telephone conference call or videoconference. |
|
(b) A meeting held by telephone conference call or |
|
videoconference need not have a quorum present at any one location. |
|
(c) A telephone conference call or videoconference meeting |
|
is subject to the notice requirements applicable to other meetings. |
|
(d) The notice of a telephone conference call or |
|
videoconference meeting must specify each location of the meeting |
|
where a director will participate and the physical location where |
|
the presiding officer of the board will preside. Each of those |
|
locations must be open to the public during the open portion of the |
|
meeting. |
|
(e) Each part of a telephone conference call meeting that is |
|
required to be open to the public must be audible to the public at |
|
each meeting location specified in the notice of the meeting and |
|
shall be tape recorded. The district shall make the tape recording |
|
available to the public. |
|
(f) Each part of a videoconference meeting that is required |
|
to be open to the public must: |
|
(1) be visible and audible to the public at each |
|
meeting location specified in the notice of the meeting; and |
|
(2) have two-way audio and video communications with |
|
each participant in the meeting during the entire meeting. |
|
(g) Without regard to whether a director is participating in |
|
a meeting from a remote location by videoconference call, the board |
|
may allow a member of the public to testify at a meeting from a |
|
remote location by videoconference call. The board shall designate |
|
the location for public participation in the notice of the meeting. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 3A.) |
|
Sec. 173.107. RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS. The board shall adopt |
|
rules for its proceedings. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 3(g) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 173.108. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. A director is |
|
not entitled to compensation for serving as a director but is |
|
entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while |
|
serving as a director. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 3(f).) |
|
Sec. 173.109. EMPLOYEES. The board may employ and |
|
compensate persons to carry out the powers and duties of the |
|
district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 3(g) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.110. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The board shall appoint |
|
an executive committee. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 3(g) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.111. RETIREMENT BENEFITS. A district is eligible |
|
to participate in the Texas County and District Retirement System. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(q).) |
|
[Sections 173.112-173.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES |
|
Sec. 173.151. GENERAL POWERS OF DISTRICT. (a) A district |
|
has all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes |
|
of this chapter. |
|
(b) A district may generally perform all acts necessary for |
|
the full exercise of the district's powers. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Secs. 4(a) (part), (k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.152. RULES. To protect district residents' |
|
health, safety, and general welfare, a district may adopt rules to |
|
govern the operation of the district, its employees, the system, |
|
service provided by the district, and any other necessary matter |
|
concerning its purposes, including rules regarding health, safety, |
|
alcohol or beverage service, food service, or telephone or utility |
|
service. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(h).) |
|
Sec. 173.153. AGREEMENTS GENERALLY. A district may make |
|
contracts, leases, and agreements with the United States, this |
|
state and its agencies and political subdivisions, public or |
|
private corporations, and any other person. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 4(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.154. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER ENTITIES FOR JOINT USE. |
|
A district may: |
|
(1) make agreements with a public utility, private |
|
utility, communication system, common carrier, state agency, or |
|
transportation system for the joint use of facilities, |
|
installations, or property inside or outside the district; and |
|
(2) establish: |
|
(A) through routes; |
|
(B) joint fares; and |
|
(C) divisions of tariffs, subject to approval of |
|
a tariff-regulating body that has jurisdiction. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 4(g).) |
|
Sec. 173.155. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS. A district may |
|
make a joint ownership agreement with any person. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 4(i).) |
|
Sec. 173.156. EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS. (a) A |
|
board may enter into an exclusive development agreement with a |
|
private entity. |
|
(b) The exclusive development agreement: |
|
(1) at a minimum must provide for the design and |
|
construction of a commuter rail facility or system; and |
|
(2) may provide for the financing, acquisition, |
|
maintenance, or operation of a commuter rail facility or system. |
|
(c) The board may adopt rules governing an agreement under |
|
this section. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 6A.) |
|
Sec. 173.157. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS WITH COMMISSION. The |
|
commission may enter into an interlocal agreement with a district |
|
under which the district may exercise a power or duty of the |
|
commission for the development and efficient operation of |
|
intermodal corridors in the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. |
|
4(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.158. AWARDING CONSTRUCTION OR PURCHASE CONTRACTS. |
|
(a) A contract in the amount of more than $15,000 for the |
|
construction of improvements or the purchase of material, |
|
machinery, equipment, supplies, or any other property except real |
|
property may be awarded only through competitive bidding after |
|
notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the |
|
district at least 15 days before the date set for receiving bids. |
|
(b) A board may adopt rules governing the taking of bids and |
|
the awarding of contracts. |
|
(c) This section does not apply to: |
|
(1) personal or professional services; |
|
(2) the acquisition of an existing rail transportation |
|
system; |
|
(3) a contract with a common carrier to construct |
|
lines and to operate commuter rail service on lines wholly or partly |
|
owned by the carrier; or |
|
(4) an agreement with a private entity under Section |
|
173.156. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 6.) |
|
Sec. 173.159. EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) A district may exercise |
|
the power of eminent domain to acquire: |
|
(1) land in fee simple; or |
|
(2) any interest less than fee simple in, on, under, or |
|
above land, including an easement, right-of-way, or right of use of |
|
airspace or subsurface space. |
|
(b) The power of eminent domain under this section does not |
|
apply to: |
|
(1) land under the jurisdiction of the department or a |
|
metropolitan transit authority; or |
|
(2) a rail line owned by a common carrier or |
|
municipality. |
|
(c) To the extent possible, the district shall use existing |
|
rail or intermodal transportation corridors for the alignment of |
|
its system. |
|
(d) An eminent domain proceeding is begun by the board's |
|
adoption of a resolution declaring that the district's acquisition |
|
of the property or interest described in the resolution: |
|
(1) is a public necessity; and |
|
(2) is necessary and proper for the construction, |
|
extension, improvement, or development of commuter rail facilities |
|
and is in the public interest. |
|
(e) The resolution is conclusive evidence of the public |
|
necessity of the proposed acquisition and that the real property or |
|
interest in property is necessary for public use. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 4(f).) |
|
Sec. 173.160. SUITS. (a) A district may: |
|
(1) sue and be sued; |
|
(2) institute and prosecute suits without giving |
|
security for costs; and |
|
(3) appeal from a judgment without giving a |
|
supersedeas or cost bond. |
|
(b) An action at law or in equity against the district must |
|
be brought in the county in which a principal office of the district |
|
is located, except that a suit in eminent domain must be brought in |
|
the county in which the land is located. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, |
|
Sec. 4(c).) |
|
[Sections 173.161-173.200 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION, |
|
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF COMMUTER RAIL FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 173.201. GENERAL AUTHORITY OVER COMMUTER RAIL |
|
FACILITIES. A district may acquire, construct, develop, own, |
|
operate, and maintain intermodal and commuter rail facilities |
|
inside, or connect political subdivisions in, the district. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(e) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.202. POWERS RELATING TO DISTRICT PROPERTY. A |
|
district may acquire by grant, purchase, gift, devise, lease, or |
|
otherwise and may hold, use, sell, lease, or dispose of property, |
|
including a license, a patent, a right, or an interest, necessary, |
|
convenient, or useful for the full exercise of its powers under this |
|
chapter. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(d).) |
|
Sec. 173.203. USE AND ALTERATION OF PROPERTY OF ANOTHER |
|
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) For a purpose described by Section |
|
173.201, as necessary or useful in the construction, |
|
reconstruction, repair, maintenance, and operation of the system, |
|
and with the consent of a municipality, county, or other political |
|
subdivision, a district may: |
|
(1) use streets, alleys, roads, highways, and other |
|
public ways of the political subdivision; and |
|
(2) relocate, raise, reroute, change the grade of, or |
|
alter, at the district's expense, the construction of a publicly |
|
owned or privately owned street, alley, highway, road, railroad, |
|
electric line or facility, telegraph or telephone property or |
|
facility, pipeline or facility, conduit or facility, and other |
|
property. |
|
(b) A district may not use or alter: |
|
(1) a road or highway in the state highway system |
|
without the permission of the commission; or |
|
(2) a railroad without permission of the railroad. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(e) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.204. RULES GOVERNING SYSTEM AND ROUTINGS. A |
|
district by resolution may adopt rules governing the use, |
|
operation, and maintenance of the system and shall determine all |
|
routings and change them when the board considers it advisable. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(l).) |
|
Sec. 173.205. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY. (a) A district may |
|
purchase any interest in real property to acquire, construct, or |
|
operate a commuter rail facility on terms and at a price to which |
|
the district and the owner agree. |
|
(b) The governing body of a municipality, a county, any |
|
other political subdivision, or a public agency may convey the |
|
title or the rights and easements to property needed by the district |
|
for its purposes in connection with the acquisition, construction, |
|
or operation of the system. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(e) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 173.206. ACQUISITION OF ROLLING STOCK AND OTHER |
|
PROPERTY. A district may acquire rolling stock or other property |
|
under a conditional sales contract, lease, equipment trust |
|
certificate, or other form of contract or trust agreement. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.207. COMPENSATION FOR USE OF SYSTEM FACILITIES. |
|
(a) A district shall establish and maintain reasonable and |
|
nondiscriminatory rates or other compensation for the use of the |
|
facilities of the system acquired, constructed, operated, |
|
regulated, or maintained by the district. |
|
(b) Together with grants received by the district, the rates |
|
or other compensation must be sufficient to produce revenue |
|
adequate to: |
|
(1) pay all expenses necessary for the operation and |
|
maintenance of the district's property and facilities; |
|
(2) pay the principal of and interest on all bonds |
|
issued by the district under this chapter payable wholly or partly |
|
from the revenue, as they become due and payable; and |
|
(3) fulfill the terms of agreements made with the |
|
holders of bonds or with any person on their behalf. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 4(j).) |
|
Sec. 173.208. OPERATION OR USE CONTRACTS. (a) A district |
|
may: |
|
(1) lease all or part of the commuter rail facilities |
|
to any operator; or |
|
(2) contract for the use or operation of all or part of |
|
the commuter rail facilities by any operator. |
|
(b) To the maximum extent practicable, the district shall |
|
encourage the participation of private enterprise in the operation |
|
of commuter rail facilities. |
|
(c) The term of an operating contract under this section may |
|
not exceed 20 years. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(m).) |
|
Sec. 173.209. RAIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH |
|
OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS. A district may contract with a |
|
county or other political subdivision of this state for the |
|
district to provide commuter rail transportation services to an |
|
area outside the district on terms to which the parties agree. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(n).) |
|
[Sections 173.210-173.250 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 173.251. FISCAL YEAR. Unless the board changes the |
|
fiscal year, the district's fiscal year ends on September 30. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(p) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.252. ANNUAL BUDGET. (a) Before beginning the |
|
operation of commuter rail facilities, the board shall adopt an |
|
annual operating budget specifying the district's anticipated |
|
revenue and expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. The |
|
district shall adopt an operating budget for each succeeding fiscal |
|
year. |
|
(b) The board must hold a public hearing before adopting |
|
each budget except the initial budget. Notice of the hearing must |
|
be published at least seven days before the date of the hearing in a |
|
newspaper of general circulation in the district. |
|
(c) A budget may be amended at any time if notice of the |
|
proposed amendment is given in the notice of meeting. |
|
(d) An expenditure that is not budgeted may not be made. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(p) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.253. GRANTS AND LOANS. A district may accept |
|
grants and loans from the United States, this state and its agencies |
|
and political subdivisions, public or private corporations, and |
|
other persons. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(k) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.254. DEPOSITORY. (a) The board by resolution |
|
shall name one or more banks for the deposit of district funds. |
|
(b) District funds are public funds and may be invested in |
|
securities permitted by Chapter 2256, Government Code. |
|
(c) To the extent district funds are not insured by the |
|
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or its successor, the funds |
|
shall be collateralized in the manner provided for county funds. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(r).) |
|
Sec. 173.255. PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL INSURED PROVISIONS. A |
|
district may purchase an additional insured provision to any |
|
liability insurance contract. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(o).) |
|
Sec. 173.256. FINANCING OF CERTAIN TRANSPORTATION |
|
INFRASTRUCTURE. (a) This section applies only to a local |
|
government, other than a school district, that is a member of a |
|
district and that is authorized to impose ad valorem taxes on real |
|
property. |
|
(b) A district may enter into an interlocal contract with a |
|
local government member for the financing of transportation |
|
infrastructure that is constructed or that is to be constructed in |
|
the territory of the local government by the district. |
|
(c) The agreement must include: |
|
(1) the duration of the agreement; |
|
(2) a description of each transportation |
|
infrastructure project or proposed project; |
|
(3) a map showing the location of each project; and |
|
(4) an estimate of the cost of each project. |
|
(d) The agreement may establish one or more transportation |
|
infrastructure zones. The district and the local government may |
|
agree that, at one or more specified times, the local government |
|
will pay to the district an amount that is calculated on the basis |
|
of increased ad valorem tax collections in a zone that are |
|
attributable to increased values of property located in the zone |
|
resulting from an infrastructure project. The amount may not |
|
exceed an amount that is equal to 30 percent of the increase in ad |
|
valorem tax collections for the specified period. |
|
(e) Money received by the district under this section may be |
|
used: |
|
(1) to provide a local match for the acquisition of |
|
right-of-way in the territory of the local government; or |
|
(2) for design, construction, operation, or |
|
maintenance of transportation facilities in the territory of the |
|
local government. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 8.) |
|
Sec. 173.257. TAX EXEMPTION. District property, material |
|
purchases, revenue, and income and the interest on bonds and notes |
|
issued by the district are exempt from any tax imposed by this state |
|
or a political subdivision of this state. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, |
|
Sec. 7.) |
|
[Sections 173.258-173.300 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. BONDS |
|
Sec. 173.301. REVENUE BONDS. A district may issue revenue |
|
bonds and notes in amounts that the board considers necessary or |
|
appropriate for the acquisition, purchase, construction, |
|
reconstruction, repair, equipping, improvement, or extension of |
|
its commuter rail facilities. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 5(a) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 173.302. SECURITY FOR PAYMENT OF BONDS. (a) To |
|
secure payment of district bonds or notes, the district may: |
|
(1) encumber and pledge all or part of the revenue of |
|
its commuter rail facilities; and |
|
(2) encumber all or part of the property of the |
|
commuter rail facilities and everything pertaining to them acquired |
|
or to be acquired. |
|
(b) Unless prohibited by the resolution or indenture |
|
relating to outstanding bonds or notes, a district may encumber |
|
separately any item of property. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 5(c) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 173.303. BONDS AS AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS AND SECURITY |
|
FOR DEPOSITS OF PUBLIC FUNDS. (a) District bonds and notes are |
|
legal and authorized investments for: |
|
(1) a bank; |
|
(2) a trust company; |
|
(3) a savings and loan association; and |
|
(4) an insurance company. |
|
(b) The bonds and notes are: |
|
(1) eligible to secure the deposit of public funds of |
|
this state or a municipality, a county, a school district, or any |
|
other political corporation or subdivision of this state; and |
|
(2) lawful and sufficient security for the deposit to |
|
the extent of the principal amount or market value of the bonds or |
|
notes, whichever is less. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 5(d).) |
|
Sec. 173.304. LIMIT ON POWER. (a) A revenue bond |
|
indenture may limit the exercise of a power granted by Section |
|
173.004, 173.005, 173.111, 173.151, 173.152, 173.153, 173.154, |
|
173.155, 173.157, 173.159, 173.160, 173.201, 173.202, 173.203, |
|
173.204, 173.205, 173.206, 173.207, 173.208, 173.209, 173.251, |
|
173.252, 173.253, 173.254, or 173.255. |
|
(b) The limitation applies while any of the revenue bonds |
|
issued under the indenture are outstanding and unpaid. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 4(k) (part).) |
|
[Sections 173.305-173.350 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. SALES AND USE TAXES |
|
Sec. 173.351. TAX AUTHORIZED. A sales and use tax is |
|
imposed on items sold on district property. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 9(a) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.352. TAX RATE. The sales and use tax shall be |
|
imposed at the rate of the highest combination of local sales and |
|
use taxes imposed at the time of the district's creation in any |
|
local governmental jurisdiction that is part of the district. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 9(a) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.353. PREEMPTION OF OTHER SALES AND USE TAXES. The |
|
tax imposed under this subchapter preempts all other local sales |
|
and use taxes that would otherwise be imposed on district property. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Sec. 9(a) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.354. APPLICABILITY OF TAX CODE. Chapter 321, Tax |
|
Code, governs the computation, administration, governance, and use |
|
of the tax except as inconsistent with this chapter. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 9(b) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.355. NOTICE TO COMPTROLLER. (a) The district |
|
shall notify the comptroller in writing by United States registered |
|
or certified mail of the district's creation and of its intent to |
|
impose the sales and use tax under this chapter. |
|
(b) The district shall provide to the comptroller all |
|
information required to implement the tax, including: |
|
(1) an adequate map showing the property boundaries of |
|
the district; |
|
(2) a certified copy of the resolution of the board |
|
adopting the tax; and |
|
(3) certified copies of the resolutions of the |
|
governing bodies of the creating municipalities and of the |
|
commissioners courts of the counties in which the municipalities |
|
are located. |
|
(c) Not later than the 30th day after the date the |
|
comptroller receives the notice, map, and other information, the |
|
comptroller shall inform the district whether the comptroller is |
|
prepared to administer the tax. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Secs. |
|
9(c), (d).) |
|
Sec. 173.356. NOTICE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. At the same time |
|
the district notifies the comptroller under Section 173.355, the |
|
district shall: |
|
(1) notify each affected local governmental |
|
jurisdiction of the district's creation; and |
|
(2) provide each jurisdiction with an adequate map |
|
showing the property boundaries of the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 9(e).) |
|
Sec. 173.357. ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL TERRITORY SUBJECT |
|
TO TAX. (a) Not later than the 30th day after the date a district |
|
acquires additional territory, the district shall notify the |
|
comptroller and each affected local governmental jurisdiction of |
|
the acquisition. |
|
(b) The district must include with each notification: |
|
(1) an adequate map showing the new property |
|
boundaries of the district; and |
|
(2) the date the additional territory was acquired. |
|
(c) Not later than the 30th day after the date the |
|
comptroller receives the notice under this section, the comptroller |
|
shall inform the district whether the comptroller is prepared to |
|
administer the tax in the additional territory. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-1, Sec. 9(f).) |
|
Sec. 173.358. DUTY OF COMPTROLLER. The comptroller shall: |
|
(1) administer, collect, and enforce a tax imposed |
|
under this chapter; and |
|
(2) remit to a district the tax collected on the |
|
district's property. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, Secs. 9(a) (part), |
|
(b) (part).) |
|
Sec. 173.359. EFFECTIVE DATE OF TAX. A tax imposed under |
|
this chapter or the repeal of a tax imposed under this chapter takes |
|
effect on the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins |
|
after the expiration of the first complete calendar quarter that |
|
occurs after the date the comptroller receives a notice of the |
|
action as required by this subchapter. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-1, |
|
Sec. 9(g).) |
|
CHAPTER 174. |
COMMUTER RAIL DISTRICTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. |
GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 174.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON |
|
Sec. 174.002. DEFINITIONS |
|
Sec. 174.003. NATURE OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. |
174.004. REQUIREMENT FOR SERVICE TO |
|
MUNICIPALITIES IN DISTRICT |
|
[Sections 174.005-174.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. CREATION |
|
|
Sec. 174.051. CREATION OF DISTRICT |
|
[Sections 174.052-174.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. 174.101. CONTROL OF DISTRICT |
|
Sec. 174.102. COMPOSITION OF BOARD; TERMS |
|
Sec. 174.103. PRESIDING OFFICER |
|
Sec. 174.104. MEETINGS |
|
Sec. 174.105. RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS |
|
Sec. 174.106. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT |
|
Sec. 174.107. EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. 174.108. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE |
|
Sec. 174.109. RETIREMENT BENEFITS |
|
[Sections 174.110-174.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. |
GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES |
|
Sec. |
174.151. GENERAL POWERS OF DISTRICT; GOVERNMENTAL |
|
FUNCTIONS |
|
Sec. 174.152. RULES |
|
Sec. 174.153. AGREEMENTS GENERALLY |
|
Sec. |
174.154. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER ENTITIES FOR JOINT |
|
USE |
|
Sec. 174.155. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS |
|
Sec. 174.156. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS WITH COMMISSION |
|
Sec. |
174.157. AWARDING CONSTRUCTION OR PURCHASE |
|
CONTRACTS |
|
Sec. 174.158. EMINENT DOMAIN |
|
Sec. 174.159. SUITS |
|
[Sections 174.160-174.200 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION, |
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF COMMUTER RAIL FACILITIES |
|
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF COMMUTER RAIL FACILITIES |
|
|
Sec. |
174.201. GENERAL AUTHORITY OVER COMMUTER RAIL |
|
FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 174.202. POWERS RELATING TO DISTRICT PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
174.203. USE AND ALTERATION OF PROPERTY OF |
|
ANOTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION |
|
Sec. 174.204. RULES GOVERNING SYSTEM AND ROUTINGS |
|
Sec. 174.205. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
174.206. ACQUISITION OF ROLLING STOCK AND OTHER |
|
PROPERTY |
|
Sec. |
174.207. COMPENSATION FOR USE OF SYSTEM |
|
FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 174.208. OPERATION OR USE CONTRACTS |
|
Sec. |
174.209. RAIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS |
|
WITH OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS |
|
[Sections 174.210-174.250 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 174.251. FISCAL YEAR |
|
Sec. 174.252. ANNUAL BUDGET |
|
Sec. 174.253. GRANTS AND LOANS |
|
Sec. 174.254. DEPOSITORY |
|
Sec. |
174.255. PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL INSURED |
|
PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 174.256. TAX EXEMPTION |
|
[Sections 174.257-174.300 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. |
BONDS |
|
Sec. 174.301. REVENUE BONDS |
|
Sec. 174.302. SECURITY FOR PAYMENT OF BONDS |
|
Sec. |
174.303. BONDS AS AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS AND |
|
SECURITY FOR DEPOSITS OF PUBLIC FUNDS |
|
Sec. 174.304. LIMIT ON POWER |
|
[Sections 174.305-174.350 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. TAXES |
|
|
Sec. 174.351. TAX AUTHORIZED |
|
Sec. 174.352. IMPOSITION OF TAX |
|
Sec. 174.353. TAX RATE |
|
Sec. 174.354. EFFECTIVE DATE OF TAX |
|
CHAPTER 174. COMMUTER RAIL DISTRICTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 174.001. DEFINITION OF PERSON. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "person" includes a corporation, as provided by |
|
Section 312.011, Government Code; and |
|
(2) the definition of "person" assigned by Section |
|
311.005, Government Code, does not apply. (New.) |
|
Sec. 174.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "Board" means a district's board of directors. |
|
(2) "Commuter rail facility" means any property |
|
necessary for the transportation of passengers and baggage between |
|
locations in a district. The term includes rolling stock, |
|
locomotives, stations, parking areas, and rail lines. |
|
(3) "Director" means a board member. |
|
(4) "District" means a commuter rail district created |
|
under this chapter or under Article 6550c-3, Revised Statutes, as |
|
that article existed before April 1, 2011. |
|
(5) "System" means all of the commuter rail and |
|
intermodal facilities leased or owned by or operated on behalf of a |
|
district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Secs. 1(2), (5), (7); New.) |
|
Sec. 174.003. NATURE OF DISTRICT. (a) A district is a |
|
public body and a political subdivision of this state exercising |
|
public and essential governmental functions. |
|
(b) A district, in the exercise of powers under this |
|
chapter, is performing only governmental functions and is a |
|
governmental unit under Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies |
|
Code. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(a) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.004. REQUIREMENT FOR SERVICE TO MUNICIPALITIES IN |
|
DISTRICT. A municipality located in a district that wishes to be |
|
served by commuter rail facilities of the district must pay for |
|
construction of a commuter rail station. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, |
|
Sec. 9.) |
|
[Sections 174.005-174.050 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. CREATION |
|
Sec. 174.051. CREATION OF DISTRICT. (a) A district may be |
|
created to provide commuter rail service to counties along the |
|
Texas-Mexico border. |
|
(b) The commissioners court of a county may create a |
|
commuter rail district on adoption of an order favoring the |
|
creation. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 2.) |
|
[Sections 174.052-174.100 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES |
|
Sec. 174.101. CONTROL OF DISTRICT. A district is governed |
|
by a board of directors. The board is responsible for the |
|
management, operation, and control of the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 3(a).) |
|
Sec. 174.102. COMPOSITION OF BOARD; TERMS. (a) The board |
|
is composed of five directors appointed as follows: |
|
(1) one director appointed by the county judge; and |
|
(2) one director appointed by each county |
|
commissioner. |
|
(b) Each director serves a four-year term. The board may |
|
provide for the staggering of the terms of its directors. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 3(b).) |
|
Sec. 174.103. PRESIDING OFFICER. (a) The directors shall |
|
elect one director as presiding officer. |
|
(b) The presiding officer may select another director to |
|
preside in the absence of the presiding officer. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 3(c).) |
|
Sec. 174.104. MEETINGS. The presiding officer shall call |
|
at least one meeting of the board each year and may call other |
|
meetings as the presiding officer determines are appropriate. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 3(d).) |
|
Sec. 174.105. RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS. The board shall adopt |
|
rules for its proceedings. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 3(f) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 174.106. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. A director is |
|
not entitled to compensation for serving as a director but is |
|
entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while |
|
serving as a director. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 3(e).) |
|
Sec. 174.107. EMPLOYEES. The board may employ and |
|
compensate persons to carry out the powers and duties of the |
|
district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 3(f) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.108. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The board shall appoint |
|
an executive committee. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 3(f) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.109. RETIREMENT BENEFITS. A district is eligible |
|
to participate in the Texas County and District Retirement System. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(p).) |
|
[Sections 174.110-174.150 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES |
|
Sec. 174.151. GENERAL POWERS OF DISTRICT; GOVERNMENTAL |
|
FUNCTIONS. (a) A district has all the powers necessary or |
|
convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter. |
|
(b) A district may perform any act necessary for the full |
|
exercise of the district's powers. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Secs. |
|
4(a) (part), (j) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.152. RULES. To protect the health, safety, and |
|
general welfare of district residents and people who use district |
|
services, a district may adopt rules to govern the operation of the |
|
district, its employees, the system, service provided by the |
|
district, and any other necessary matter concerning its purposes, |
|
including rules regarding health, safety, alcohol or beverage |
|
service, food service, or telephone or utility service. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(g).) |
|
Sec. 174.153. AGREEMENTS GENERALLY. A district may make |
|
contracts, leases, and agreements with the United States, this |
|
state and its agencies and political subdivisions, and other |
|
persons and entities. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(j) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.154. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER ENTITIES FOR JOINT USE. |
|
A district may: |
|
(1) make agreements with a public utility, private |
|
utility, communication system, common carrier, state agency, or |
|
transportation system for the joint use of facilities, |
|
installations, or property inside or outside the district; and |
|
(2) establish: |
|
(A) through routes; and |
|
(B) joint fares. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. |
|
4(f).) |
|
Sec. 174.155. JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS. A district may |
|
enter into a joint ownership agreement with any person. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(h).) |
|
Sec. 174.156. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS WITH COMMISSION. The |
|
commission may enter into an interlocal agreement with the district |
|
under which the district may exercise a power or duty of the |
|
commission for the development and efficient operation of an |
|
intermodal corridor in the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. |
|
4(j) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.157. AWARDING CONSTRUCTION OR PURCHASE CONTRACTS. |
|
(a) A contract in the amount of more than $15,000 for the |
|
construction of improvements or the purchase of material, |
|
machinery, equipment, supplies, or any other property except real |
|
property may be awarded only through competitive bidding after |
|
notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the |
|
district at least 15 days before the date set for receiving bids. |
|
(b) The board may adopt rules governing the taking of bids |
|
and the awarding of contracts. |
|
(c) This section does not apply to: |
|
(1) personal or professional services; |
|
(2) the acquisition of an existing rail transportation |
|
system; or |
|
(3) a contract with a common carrier to construct |
|
lines or to operate commuter rail service on lines wholly or partly |
|
owned by the carrier. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 6.) |
|
Sec. 174.158. EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) A district may exercise |
|
the power of eminent domain to acquire: |
|
(1) real property in fee simple; or |
|
(2) an interest in real property less than fee simple |
|
in, on, under, or above land, including an easement, right-of-way, |
|
or right of use of airspace or subsurface space. |
|
(b) The power of eminent domain under this section does not |
|
apply to: |
|
(1) land under the jurisdiction of the department; or |
|
(2) a rail line owned by a common carrier or |
|
municipality. |
|
(c) To the extent possible, the district shall use existing |
|
rail or intermodal transportation corridors for the alignment of |
|
its system. |
|
(d) An eminent domain proceeding is begun by the board's |
|
adoption of a resolution declaring that the district's acquisition |
|
of the property or interest described in the resolution: |
|
(1) is a public necessity; and |
|
(2) is necessary and proper for the construction, |
|
extension, improvement, or development of commuter rail facilities |
|
and is in the public interest. |
|
(e) The resolution is conclusive evidence of the public |
|
necessity of the proposed acquisition and that the real property or |
|
interest in property is necessary for public use. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 4(e).) |
|
Sec. 174.159. SUITS. (a) A district may: |
|
(1) sue and be sued; |
|
(2) institute and prosecute suits without giving |
|
security for costs; and |
|
(3) appeal from a judgment without giving a |
|
supersedeas or cost bond. |
|
(b) An action at law or in equity against the district must |
|
be brought in the county in which a principal office of the district |
|
is located, except that a suit in eminent domain involving an |
|
interest in land must be brought in the county in which the land is |
|
located. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(b).) |
|
[Sections 174.160-174.200 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. POWERS AND DUTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION, |
|
CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF COMMUTER RAIL FACILITIES |
|
Sec. 174.201. GENERAL AUTHORITY OVER COMMUTER RAIL |
|
FACILITIES. A district may acquire, construct, develop, own, |
|
operate, and maintain intermodal and commuter rail facilities to |
|
connect political subdivisions in the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 4(d) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.202. POWERS RELATING TO DISTRICT PROPERTY. A |
|
district may acquire by grant, purchase, gift, devise, lease, or |
|
otherwise and may hold, use, sell, lease, or dispose of property, |
|
including a license, a patent, a right, or an interest, necessary, |
|
convenient, or useful for the full exercise of its powers. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(c).) |
|
Sec. 174.203. USE AND ALTERATION OF PROPERTY OF ANOTHER |
|
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) For a purpose described by Section |
|
174.201, as necessary or useful in the construction, |
|
reconstruction, repair, maintenance, and operation of the system, |
|
and with the consent of a municipality, county, or other political |
|
subdivision, a district may: |
|
(1) use streets, alleys, roads, highways, and other |
|
public ways of the political subdivision; and |
|
(2) relocate, raise, reroute, change the grade of, or |
|
alter, at the district's expense, the construction of a publicly |
|
owned or privately owned street, alley, highway, road, railroad, |
|
electric line or facility, telegraph or telephone property or |
|
facility, pipeline or facility, conduit or facility, and other |
|
property. |
|
(b) A district may not use or alter: |
|
(1) a road or highway in the state highway system |
|
without the permission of the commission; or |
|
(2) a railroad without permission of the railroad. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(d) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.204. RULES GOVERNING SYSTEM AND ROUTINGS. A |
|
district by resolution may adopt rules governing the use, |
|
operation, and maintenance of the system and may determine or |
|
change a routing as the board considers advisable. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 4(k).) |
|
Sec. 174.205. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY. (a) A district may |
|
purchase any interest in real property to acquire, construct, or |
|
operate a commuter rail facility on terms and at a price to which |
|
the district and the owner agree. |
|
(b) The governing body of a municipality, a county, any |
|
other political subdivision, or a public agency may convey the |
|
title or the rights and easements to property needed by the district |
|
for its purposes in connection with the acquisition, construction, |
|
or operation of the system. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(d) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 174.206. ACQUISITION OF ROLLING STOCK AND OTHER |
|
PROPERTY. A district may acquire rolling stock or other property |
|
under a conditional sales contract, lease, equipment trust |
|
certificate, or other form of contract or trust agreement. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(j) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.207. COMPENSATION FOR USE OF SYSTEM FACILITIES. |
|
(a) A district shall establish and maintain reasonable and |
|
nondiscriminatory rates or other compensation for the use of the |
|
facilities of the system acquired, constructed, operated, |
|
regulated, or maintained by the district. |
|
(b) Together with grants received by the district, the rates |
|
or other compensation must be sufficient to produce revenue |
|
adequate to: |
|
(1) pay all expenses necessary for the operation and |
|
maintenance of the district's property and facilities; |
|
(2) pay the principal of and interest on bonds issued |
|
by the district payable wholly or partly from the revenue, as they |
|
become due and payable; and |
|
(3) fulfill the terms of agreements made with the |
|
holders of bonds or with any person on their behalf. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(i).) |
|
Sec. 174.208. OPERATION OR USE CONTRACTS. (a) A district |
|
may: |
|
(1) lease all or part of the commuter rail facilities |
|
to an operator; or |
|
(2) contract for the use or operation of all or part of |
|
the commuter rail facilities by an operator. |
|
(b) To the maximum extent practicable, the district shall |
|
encourage the participation of private enterprise in the operation |
|
of commuter rail facilities. |
|
(c) The term of an operating contract under this section may |
|
not exceed 20 years. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(l).) |
|
Sec. 174.209. RAIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH |
|
OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS. A district may contract with a |
|
county or other political subdivision of this state for the |
|
district to provide commuter rail transportation services to an |
|
area outside the district on terms to which the parties agree. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(m).) |
|
[Sections 174.210-174.250 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS |
|
Sec. 174.251. FISCAL YEAR. Unless the board changes the |
|
fiscal year, the district's fiscal year ends on September 30. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(o) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.252. ANNUAL BUDGET. (a) Before beginning the |
|
operation of commuter rail facilities, the board shall adopt an |
|
annual operating budget specifying the district's anticipated |
|
revenue and expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. The |
|
district shall adopt an operating budget for each succeeding fiscal |
|
year. |
|
(b) The board must hold a public hearing before adopting |
|
each budget except the initial budget. Notice of the hearing must |
|
be published at least seven days before the date of the hearing in a |
|
newspaper of general circulation in the district. |
|
(c) A budget may be amended at any time if notice of the |
|
proposed amendment is given in the notice of the meeting at which |
|
the amendment will be considered. |
|
(d) An expenditure that is not budgeted may not be made. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(o) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.253. GRANTS AND LOANS. A district may accept |
|
grants and loans from the United States, this state and its agencies |
|
and political subdivisions, and other persons and entities. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(j) (part).) |
|
Sec. 174.254. DEPOSITORY. (a) The board by resolution |
|
shall name one or more banks for the deposit of district funds. |
|
(b) District funds are public funds and may be invested in |
|
securities permitted by Chapter 2256, Government Code. |
|
(c) To the extent district funds are not insured by the |
|
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or its successor, the funds |
|
shall be collateralized in the manner provided for county funds. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(q).) |
|
Sec. 174.255. PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL INSURED PROVISIONS. A |
|
district may purchase an additional insured provision to any |
|
liability insurance contract. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 4(n).) |
|
Sec. 174.256. TAX EXEMPTION. District property, material |
|
purchases, revenue, and income and the interest on a bond or note |
|
issued by a district are exempt from any tax imposed by this state |
|
or a political subdivision of this state. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, |
|
Sec. 7.) |
|
[Sections 174.257-174.300 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. BONDS |
|
Sec. 174.301. REVENUE BONDS. A district may issue revenue |
|
bonds and notes in amounts that the board considers necessary or |
|
appropriate for the acquisition, purchase, construction, |
|
reconstruction, repair, equipping, improvement, or extension of |
|
its commuter rail facilities. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 5(a) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 174.302. SECURITY FOR PAYMENT OF BONDS. (a) To |
|
secure payment of district bonds or notes, the district may: |
|
(1) encumber and pledge all or part of the revenue of |
|
its commuter rail facilities; and |
|
(2) encumber all or part of the property of the |
|
commuter rail facilities and everything pertaining to them that is |
|
acquired or to be acquired. |
|
(b) Unless prohibited by the resolution or indenture |
|
relating to outstanding bonds or notes, a district may encumber |
|
separately any item of property. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 5(c) |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 174.303. BONDS AS AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS AND SECURITY |
|
FOR DEPOSITS OF PUBLIC FUNDS. (a) District bonds and notes are |
|
legal and authorized investments for: |
|
(1) a bank; |
|
(2) a trust company; |
|
(3) a savings and loan association; and |
|
(4) an insurance company. |
|
(b) The bonds and notes are: |
|
(1) eligible to secure the deposit of public funds of |
|
this state or a municipality, a county, a school district, or any |
|
other political corporation or subdivision of this state; and |
|
(2) lawful and sufficient security for the deposit to |
|
the extent of the principal amount or market value of the bonds or |
|
notes, whichever is less. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Sec. 5(d).) |
|
Sec. 174.304. LIMIT ON POWER. (a) A revenue bond |
|
indenture may limit the exercise of the power granted by Section |
|
174.003, 174.109, 174.151, 174.152, 174.153, 174.154, 174.155, |
|
174.156, 174.158, 174.159, 174.201, 174.202, 174.203, 174.204, |
|
174.205, 174.206, 174.207, 174.208, 174.209, 174.251, 174.252, |
|
174.253, 174.254, or 174.255. |
|
(b) A limit applies while any of the revenue bonds issued |
|
under the indenture are outstanding and unpaid. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 4(j) (part).) |
|
[Sections 174.305-174.350 reserved for expansion] |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. TAXES |
|
Sec. 174.351. TAX AUTHORIZED. A district may impose any |
|
kind of tax except an ad valorem property tax. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 8(a).) |
|
Sec. 174.352. IMPOSITION OF TAX. (a) A district may not |
|
impose a tax or increase the rate of an existing tax unless a |
|
proposition proposing the imposition or rate increase is approved |
|
by a majority of the votes received at an election held for that |
|
purpose. |
|
(b) Each new tax or rate increase must be expressed in a |
|
separate proposition consisting of a brief statement of the nature |
|
of the proposed tax. |
|
(c) The notice of the election must contain a statement of |
|
the base or rate of the proposed tax. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Secs. |
|
8(b), (c), (d).) |
|
Sec. 174.353. TAX RATE. (a) The board, subject to Section |
|
174.352(a), may impose for a district a sales and use tax at the |
|
rate of: |
|
(1) one-quarter of one percent; |
|
(2) one-half of one percent; |
|
(3) three-quarters of one percent; or |
|
(4) one percent. |
|
(b) A district may not adopt a sales and use tax rate, |
|
including a rate increase, that when combined with the rates of all |
|
sales and use taxes imposed by other political subdivisions of this |
|
state having territory in the district exceeds two percent in any |
|
location in the district. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550c-3, Secs. 8(e), |
|
(f).) |
|
Sec. 174.354. EFFECTIVE DATE OF TAX. A district's sales and |
|
use tax takes effect on the first day of the second calendar quarter |
|
beginning after the election approving the tax. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6550c-3, Sec. 8(g).) |
|
SECTION 2.05. Subchapter B, Chapter 452, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 452.0561 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 452.0561. LIABILITY OF TRANSPORTATION ENTITY |
|
PROVIDING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. (a) This section applies only to |
|
a transportation entity created under: |
|
(1) Subtitle C or D of Title 5 or Chapter 172, 173, or |
|
174; or |
|
(2) former Title 112, Revised Statutes. |
|
(b) A transportation entity created for the purpose of |
|
providing public transportation is a governmental unit under |
|
Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and the operations |
|
of the entity are essential governmental functions and not |
|
proprietary functions for any purpose, including the application of |
|
Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies Code. |
|
(c) An independent contractor of a transportation entity |
|
performing a function of the entity or an authority is liable for |
|
damages only to the extent that the entity or authority would be |
|
liable if the entity or authority itself were performing the |
|
function. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6550d.) |
|
SECTION 2.06. Chapter 471, Transportation Code, is amended |
|
by adding Section 471.009 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 471.009. ENHANCED PAVEMENT MARKING VISIBILITY AT |
|
CERTAIN GRADE CROSSINGS. (a) In this section: |
|
(1) "Grade crossing" and "reflecting material" have |
|
the meanings assigned by Section 471.004. |
|
(2) "Pavement markings" means markings applied or |
|
attached to the surface of a roadway to regulate, warn, or guide |
|
traffic. |
|
(3) "Stop bar" means the marking that is applied or |
|
attached to the surface of a roadway on either side of a grade |
|
crossing and that indicates that a vehicle must stop at the grade |
|
crossing. |
|
(b) A county or municipality shall use standards developed |
|
by the department in applying pavement markings or a stop bar at a |
|
grade crossing if the cost of the markings or stop bar is paid |
|
either entirely or partly from state or federal funds. In |
|
developing its standards, the department shall follow the standards |
|
in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices issued by the |
|
United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway |
|
Administration and, where appropriate, require the use of |
|
reflecting materials. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6370c.) |
|
SECTION 2.07. Title 66, Revised Statutes, is amended by |
|
adding Article 4015g to read as follows: |
|
Art. 4015g. SUITS FOR PENALTY. (a) A suit brought under |
|
this title for recovery of penalties may be brought in any county in |
|
which: |
|
(1) a violation of this title is committed; |
|
(2) the company or receiver has an agent or |
|
representative; or |
|
(3) the principal office of the company is located, or |
|
in which a receiver resides. |
|
(b) Of money collected from a penalty in this title: |
|
(1) half, less the commission and expenses allowed by |
|
law, shall be deposited in the state treasury; and |
|
(2) the remainder shall be paid into the jury fund of |
|
the county in which the suit may be maintained. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6477 |
|
(part).) |
|
ARTICLE 3. TRANSFER OF PROVISIONS FROM TITLE 112, REVISED |
|
STATUTES, TO NATURAL RESOURCES CODE |
|
SECTION 3.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 81, Natural Resources |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 81.002 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 81.002. DEFINITION OF PERSON FOR CERTAIN PROVISIONS. |
|
In this chapter: |
|
(1) "person" includes a corporation, as provided by |
|
Section 312.011, Government Code; and |
|
(2) the definition of "person" assigned by Section |
|
311.005, Government Code, does not apply. (New.) |
|
SECTION 3.02. Subchapter B, Chapter 81, Natural Resources |
|
Code, is amended by adding Sections 81.01001 through 81.01016 and |
|
81.0165 to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS |
|
|
Sec. 81.01001. SUNSET PROVISION |
|
Sec. 81.01002. CHAIRMAN |
|
Sec. 81.01003. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE |
|
Sec. |
81.01004. PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE, |
|
|
|
|
INTEREST |
|
Sec. 81.01005. NAME AND SEAL |
|
Sec. 81.01006. PROCEDURAL RULES |
|
Sec. 81.01007. SUPPLIES |
|
Sec. 81.01008. SESSIONS |
|
Sec. 81.01009. RECORDS RESEARCH FEE |
|
Sec. 81.01010. FEE FOR COPIES |
|
Sec. 81.01011. METHOD OF MAKING PAYMENTS TO COMMISSION |
|
Sec. 81.01012. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS |
|
Sec. 81.01013. CONFLICT OF INTEREST |
|
Sec. 81.01014. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY |
|
Sec. 81.01015. EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PROGRAM |
|
Sec. 81.01016. SEPARATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES |
|
Sec. 81.0165. SALARY OF SECRETARY |
|
Sec. 81.01001. SUNSET PROVISION. The Railroad Commission |
|
of Texas is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset |
|
Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, |
|
the commission is abolished September 1, 2013. (V.A.C.S. Art. |
|
6445a.) |
|
Sec. 81.01002. CHAIRMAN. The commissioners shall elect one |
|
commissioner as the chairman. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447 (part).) |
|
Sec. 81.01003. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. A commissioner |
|
must be: |
|
(1) a qualified voter under the constitution and laws; |
|
and |
|
(2) at least 25 years of age. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447 |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 81.01004. PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE, STANDARDS OF |
|
CONDUCT, AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST. A commissioner is subject to the |
|
provisions of Chapter 572, Government Code, that apply to elected |
|
officers, including the requirements governing personal financial |
|
statements, standards of conduct, and conflicts of interest. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6447 (part).) |
|
Sec. 81.01005. NAME AND SEAL. (a) The commissioners are |
|
known collectively as the "Railroad Commission of Texas." |
|
(b) The seal of the commission contains a star of five |
|
points with the words "Railroad Commission of Texas" engraved on |
|
it. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447 (part).) |
|
Sec. 81.01006. PROCEDURAL RULES. The commissioners may |
|
adopt all rules necessary for the commission's government and |
|
proceedings. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447 (part).) |
|
Sec. 81.01007. SUPPLIES. The commissioners shall be |
|
furnished necessary furniture, stationery, supplies, and expenses, |
|
to be paid for on the order of the governor. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447 |
|
(part).) |
|
Sec. 81.01008. SESSIONS. The commission may hold sessions |
|
at any place in this state when considered necessary. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6447 (part).) |
|
Sec. 81.01009. RECORDS RESEARCH FEE. The commission shall |
|
charge a person who requests an examination or search of commission |
|
records $5 for each half hour or fraction of a half hour that a |
|
commission employee spends in the examination or search unless the |
|
person requesting the search represents this state or a county. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6447j.) |
|
Sec. 81.01010. FEE FOR COPIES. (a) The commission may |
|
charge a fee for copies of papers provided by the commission to a |
|
person other than a department of this state. |
|
(b) The fee for a copy of a paper, document, or record in the |
|
commission's office, including the certificate and seal to be |
|
applied by the secretary, is 15 cents for each 100 words. |
|
(c) This section does not authorize the commission to charge |
|
a person a fee for a tariff sheet for the person's own use if the |
|
tariff sheet is in effect. |
|
(d) The fees charged and collected under this section shall |
|
be accounted for by the secretary of the commission and paid into |
|
the treasury as provided by Chapter 603, Government Code. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 3922.) |
|
Sec. 81.01011. METHOD OF MAKING PAYMENTS TO COMMISSION. |
|
(a) The commission may authorize payment, as prescribed by the |
|
commission, of a regulatory fee, fine, penalty, or charge for goods |
|
and services by means of an electronic payment method or a credit |
|
card issued by a financial institution chartered by a state or the |
|
United States or issued by a nationally recognized credit |
|
organization approved by the commission. A payment by the |
|
authorized method may be made in person, by telephone, or through |
|
the Internet. |
|
(b) The commission may require a person who makes a payment |
|
to the commission by means of an electronic payment method or credit |
|
card to pay a discount or service charge in an amount reasonable and |
|
necessary to reimburse the commission for the costs involved in |
|
processing the payment. |
|
(c) The commission may adopt rules as necessary to implement |
|
this section. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447n.) |
|
Sec. 81.01012. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. (a) In this |
|
section, "contested case" has the meaning assigned by Section |
|
2001.003, Government Code. |
|
(b) The commission may apply for, request, solicit, |
|
contract for, receive, accept, and administer gifts, grants, and |
|
donations of money or other assistance from any source to carry out |
|
any commission purpose or power. |
|
(c) The commission may not, under Subsection (b), accept a |
|
gift or donation of money or of property from a party in a contested |
|
case during the period from the inception of the contested case |
|
until the 30th day after the date a final order is signed in the |
|
contested case. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447i.) |
|
Sec. 81.01013. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. (a) In this section, |
|
"Texas trade association" means a cooperative and voluntarily |
|
joined association of business or professional competitors in this |
|
state designed to assist its members and its industry or profession |
|
in dealing with mutual business or professional problems and in |
|
promoting their common interest. |
|
(b) A person may not be an employee of the commission |
|
employed in a "bona fide executive, administrative, or professional |
|
capacity," as that phrase is used for purposes of establishing an |
|
exemption to the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor |
|
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.) if: |
|
(1) the person is an officer, employee, or paid |
|
consultant of a Texas trade association in a business or industry |
|
regulated by the commission; or |
|
(2) the person's spouse is an officer, manager, or paid |
|
consultant of a Texas trade association in a business or industry |
|
regulated by the commission. |
|
(c) A person who is required to register as a lobbyist under |
|
Chapter 305, Government Code, may not act as the general counsel to |
|
the commission. |
|
(d) The commission shall provide to commissioners and to |
|
agency employees, as often as necessary, information regarding the |
|
requirements for office or employment under this chapter, including |
|
information regarding a person's responsibilities under applicable |
|
laws relating to standards of conduct for state officers or |
|
employees. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447c.) |
|
Sec. 81.01014. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. (a) The |
|
commission shall prepare and maintain a written policy statement |
|
that implements a program of equal employment opportunity to ensure |
|
that all personnel decisions are made without regard to race, |
|
color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin. |
|
(b) The policy statement must include: |
|
(1) personnel policies, including policies relating |
|
to recruitment, evaluation, selection, training, and promotion of |
|
personnel, that show the intent of the commission to avoid the |
|
unlawful employment practices described by Chapter 21, Labor Code; |
|
and |
|
(2) an analysis of the extent to which the composition |
|
of the commission's personnel is in accordance with state and |
|
federal law and a description of reasonable methods to achieve |
|
compliance with state and federal law. |
|
(c) The policy statement must: |
|
(1) be updated annually; |
|
(2) be reviewed by the Texas Workforce Commission |
|
civil rights division for compliance with Subsection (b); and |
|
(3) be filed with the governor's office. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6447b.) |
|
Sec. 81.01015. EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PROGRAM. The commission |
|
shall provide to commission employees information and training on |
|
the benefits and methods of participation in the state employee |
|
incentive program. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447m.) |
|
Sec. 81.01016. SEPARATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The |
|
commission shall develop and implement policies that clearly |
|
separate the policy-making responsibilities of the commissioners |
|
and the management responsibilities of the staff of the commission. |
|
(V.A.C.S. Art. 6447k.) |
|
Sec. 81.0165. SALARY OF SECRETARY. The salary of the |
|
secretary of the commission shall be the amount appropriated for |
|
that purpose by the legislature. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447a.) |
|
SECTION 3.03. Subchapter C, Chapter 81, Natural Resources |
|
Code, is amended by adding Sections 81.0591, 81.0592, 81.062, |
|
81.063, and 81.064 to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. JURISDICTION, POWERS, AND DUTIES |
|
Sec. 81.0591. COMPLAINTS |
|
Sec. 81.0592. CONSUMER INTEREST INFORMATION |
|
Sec. 81.062. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION |
|
Sec. 81.063. ISSUANCE, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION OF |
|
LICENSE, PERMIT, OR CERTIFICATE |
|
Sec. 81.064. POWERS OF COMMISSIONER OR DESIGNATED |
|
EMPLOYEE IN CASES BEFORE COMMISSION |
|
Sec. 81.0591. COMPLAINTS. (a) The commission shall |
|
maintain a file on each written complaint filed with the |
|
commission. The file must include: |
|
(1) the name of the person who filed the complaint; |
|
(2) the date the complaint is received by the |
|
commission; |
|
(3) the subject matter of the complaint; |
|
(4) the name of each person contacted in relation to |
|
the complaint; |
|
(5) a summary of the results of the review or |
|
investigation of the complaint; and |
|
(6) an explanation of the reason the file was closed, |
|
if the commission closed the file without taking action other than |
|
to investigate the complaint. |
|
(b) The commission shall provide to the person filing the |
|
complaint and to each person who is a subject of the complaint a |
|
copy of the commission's policies and procedures relating to |
|
complaint investigation and resolution. |
|
(c) The commission, at least quarterly until final |
|
disposition of the complaint, shall notify the person filing the |
|
complaint and each person who is a subject of the complaint of the |
|
status of the investigation unless the notice would jeopardize an |
|
undercover investigation. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447h.) |
|
Sec. 81.0592. CONSUMER INTEREST INFORMATION. (a) The |
|
commission shall prepare information of consumer interest |
|
describing the regulatory functions of the commission and the |
|
procedures by which consumer complaints are filed with and resolved |
|
by the commission. |
|
(b) The commission shall make the information available to |
|
the public and appropriate state agencies. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6447g.) |
|
Sec. 81.062. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. The commission shall |
|
develop and implement policies that provide the public with a |
|
reasonable opportunity to appear before the commission and to speak |
|
on any issue under the jurisdiction of the commission. (V.A.C.S. |
|
Art. 6447l.) |
|
Sec. 81.063. ISSUANCE, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION OF |
|
LICENSE, PERMIT, OR CERTIFICATE. (a) If the commission proposes |
|
to suspend or revoke a person's license, permit, or certificate of |
|
public convenience and necessity, the person is entitled to a |
|
hearing before the commission. |
|
(b) The commission may not: |
|
(1) refuse to issue a license, permit, or certificate |
|
to a person because of the person's race, religion, color, sex, or |
|
national origin; or |
|
(2) revoke or suspend the license, permit, or |
|
certificate of a person because of the person's race, religion, |
|
color, sex, or national origin. (V.A.C.S. Arts. 6447f(a), (c).) |
|
Sec. 81.064. POWERS OF COMMISSIONER OR DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE |
|
IN CASES BEFORE COMMISSION. (a) In a case before the commission, a |
|
commissioner, or an authorized commission employee, designated by |
|
the commission for that purpose, in the same manner as if the entire |
|
commission were present, may: |
|
(1) hold a hearing; |
|
(2) conduct an investigation; |
|
(3) make a record of a hearing or investigation for the |
|
use and benefit of the commission; |
|
(4) administer an oath; |
|
(5) certify to an official act; and |
|
(6) compel the attendance of a witness and the |
|
production of papers, books, accounts, and other pertinent |
|
documents and testimony. |
|
(b) The record of a hearing or investigation made under this |
|
section that is certified to by the commissioner or employee has the |
|
same effect as if made before the commission. The commission shall |
|
determine a case in which the record is made under this section in |
|
the same manner as if the record had been made before the |
|
commission. |
|
(c) The commission may punish for contempt a person who: |
|
(1) refuses to comply with this section; or |
|
(2) obstructs or attempts to obstruct a proceeding |
|
under this section. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6519a (part).) |
|
SECTION 3.04. Subchapter D, Chapter 81, Natural Resources |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 81.093 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 81.093. DEPOSITIONS. (a) In a matter pending for |
|
hearing before the commission or a division of the commission, the |
|
commission or an interested party may produce the testimony of a |
|
witness by written or oral deposition instead of compelling the |
|
personal attendance of the witness. For that purpose, the |
|
commission may issue a commission or other process necessary to |
|
take a deposition. |
|
(b) The deposition shall be taken, to the extent applicable |
|
and to the greatest extent possible, in accordance with the |
|
provisions of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure relating to |
|
written and oral depositions. (V.A.C.S. Art. 6472a.) |
|
ARTICLE 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS |
|
SECTION 4.01. Section 101.0817, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 101.0817. STATUTORY COUNTY COURT FEES AND COSTS UNDER |
|
OTHER LAWS. The clerk of a statutory county court shall collect |
|
a fee of $10 under Section 112.059, Transportation Code [Article
|
|
6327, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes], for a county attorney in a |
|
suit regarding a railroad company's failure to keep roadbed and |
|
right-of-way in proper condition. |
|
SECTION 4.02. Subsection (c), Section 91.004, |
|
Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to money appropriated or |
|
allocated: |
|
(1) to a transit authority described by Chapter 451, a |
|
transportation authority described by Chapter 452 or 460, or a |
|
transit department described by Chapter 453; or |
|
(2) for use by: |
|
(A) a port authority or navigation district |
|
created or operating under Section 52, Article III, or Section 59, |
|
Article XVI, Texas Constitution; or |
|
(B) a district created under Chapter 172 of this |
|
code or Chapter 623, Acts of the 67th Legislature, Regular Session, |
|
1981 (former Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes). |
|
SECTION 4.03. Subdivisions (2), (4), and (5), Section |
|
171.001, Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(2) "Bonds" has the meaning assigned by Section |
|
172.001 [Chapter 623, Acts of the 67th Legislature, Regular
|
|
Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes)]. |
|
(4) "Rail facilities" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Section 172.001 [Chapter 623, Acts of the 67th Legislature, Regular
|
|
Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes)], |
|
except that the term includes property and interests necessary or |
|
convenient for the provision of a nonrural rail transportation |
|
system. |
|
(5) "Revenue" ["Revenues"] has the meaning assigned by |
|
Section 172.001 [Chapter 623, Acts of the 67th Legislature, Regular
|
|
Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes)]. |
|
SECTION 4.04. Section 171.002, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 171.002. APPLICABILITY OF RURAL RAIL TRANSPORTATION |
|
DISTRICTS LAW. (a) Except as provided by this chapter, the |
|
provisions of Chapter 172 other than Section 172.003 [Sections 2-9,
|
|
Chapter 623, Acts of the 67th Legislature, Regular Session, 1981
|
|
(Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes),] apply to a |
|
district as if the district were created under that chapter. |
|
(b) For purposes of applying Chapter 172 [623, Acts of the
|
|
67th Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's
|
|
Texas Civil Statutes),] to a district created under this chapter, a |
|
reference to "rail facilities" in Chapter 172 [Chapter 623] means |
|
"rail facilities" as defined by Section 171.001. |
|
(c) For purposes of applying Chapter 172 [623, Acts of the
|
|
67th Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's
|
|
Texas Civil Statutes),] to a district created under this chapter, a |
|
reference in Chapter 172 [Chapter 623] to "eligible county" means a |
|
county that created the district. |
|
SECTION 4.05. Section 171.053, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 171.053. INTERMUNICIPAL COMMUTER RAIL DISTRICT |
|
POWERS. The governing bodies of the county or counties and of the |
|
most populous municipality in the most populous county may provide |
|
that the district may exercise the powers of an intermunicipal |
|
commuter rail district created under Chapter 173 or former Article |
|
6550c-1, Revised Statutes, by specifying in the concurrent order or |
|
ordinance creating the district that those powers may be exercised |
|
by the district. |
|
SECTION 4.06. Section 171.154, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 171.154. INTERMUNICIPAL COMMUTER RAIL POWERS. |
|
(a) The district may exercise the powers of an intermunicipal |
|
commuter rail district created under Chapter 173 or former Article |
|
6550c-1, Revised Statutes, only if the concurrent order or |
|
ordinance creating the district specifies that the district may |
|
exercise those powers. The order or ordinance may not grant the |
|
district the power to impose a tax. |
|
(b) In the event of a conflict between this chapter and a |
|
power granted by Chapter 173 [Article 6550c-1, Revised Statutes], |
|
this chapter controls. In the event of a conflict between Chapter |
|
173 [Article 6550c-1] and Chapter 172 [Chapter 623, Acts of the 67th
|
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas
|
|
Civil Statutes)], Chapter 172 [Article 6550c] controls over Chapter |
|
173 [Article 6550c-1]. |
|
SECTION 4.07. Section 171.251, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 171.251. PLEDGE OF REVENUE [REVENUES]. A district may |
|
secure and pledge revenue [revenues] derived from any source to |
|
secure the payment of district bonds. |
|
SECTION 4.08. Section 171.302, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 171.302. DISSOLUTION. In addition to the dissolution |
|
procedures provided by Chapter 172 [Chapter 623, Acts of the 67th
|
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas
|
|
Civil Statutes)], the board may dissolve a district if: |
|
(1) all district liabilities have been paid or |
|
adequate provision has been made for the payment of all |
|
liabilities; |
|
(2) the district is not a party to any lawsuits or |
|
adequate provision has been made for the satisfaction of any |
|
judgment or order that may be entered against the district in a |
|
lawsuit to which the district is a party; and |
|
(3) the district has commitments from other |
|
governmental entities to assume jurisdiction of all district rail |
|
facilities. |
|
SECTION 4.09. Subsection (d), Section 370.186, |
|
Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) An authority may not construct, maintain, or operate a |
|
passenger rail facility within the boundaries of an intermunicipal |
|
commuter rail district created under former Article 6550c-1, |
|
Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, as those boundaries existed on |
|
September 1, 2005, unless the district and the authority enter into |
|
a written agreement specifying the terms and conditions under which |
|
the project will be undertaken. |
|
SECTION 4.10. Subsection (d), Section 452.056, |
|
Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) A private operator who contracts with an authority under |
|
this chapter is not a public entity for purposes of any law of this |
|
state except that an independent contractor of the authority that, |
|
on or after June 14, 1989, performs a function of the authority or |
|
an entity described by Section 452.0561 [under Title 112, Revised
|
|
Statutes,] that is created to provide transportation services is |
|
liable for damages only to the extent that the authority or entity |
|
would be liable if the authority or entity itself were performing |
|
the function and only for a cause of action that accrues on or after |
|
that date. |
|
SECTION 4.11. Subsection (b), Section 25.07, Tax Code, as |
|
amended by Chapters 609, 885, and 1169, Acts of the 80th |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, is reenacted and amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) Except as provided by Sections 11.11(b) and (c), a |
|
leasehold or other possessory interest in exempt property may not |
|
be listed if: |
|
(1) the property is permanent university fund land; |
|
(2) the property is county public school fund |
|
agricultural land; |
|
(3) the property is a part of a public transportation |
|
facility owned by a municipality or county and: |
|
(A) is an airport passenger terminal building or |
|
a building used primarily for maintenance of aircraft or other |
|
aircraft services, for aircraft equipment storage, or for air |
|
cargo; |
|
(B) is an airport fueling system facility; |
|
(C) is in a foreign-trade zone: |
|
(i) that has been granted to a joint airport |
|
board under Subchapter C, Chapter 681, Business & Commerce Code; |
|
(ii) the area of which in the portion of the |
|
zone located in the airport operated by the joint airport board does |
|
not exceed 2,500 acres; and |
|
(iii) that is established and operating |
|
pursuant to federal law; or |
|
(D)(i) is in a foreign trade zone established |
|
pursuant to federal law after June 1, 1991, that [which] operates |
|
pursuant to federal law; |
|
(ii) is contiguous to or has access via a |
|
taxiway to an airport located in two counties, one of which has a |
|
population of 500,000 or more according to the federal decennial |
|
census most recently preceding the establishment of the foreign |
|
trade zone; and |
|
(iii) is owned, directly or through a |
|
corporation organized under the Development Corporation Act |
|
(Subtitle C1, Title 12, Local Government Code), by the same |
|
municipality that [which] owns the airport; |
|
(4) the interest is in a part of: |
|
(A) a park, market, fairground, or similar public |
|
facility that is owned by a municipality; or |
|
(B) a convention center, visitor center, sports |
|
facility with permanent seating, concert hall, arena, or stadium |
|
that is owned by a municipality as such leasehold or possessory |
|
interest serves a governmental, municipal, or public purpose or |
|
function when the facility is open to the public, regardless of |
|
whether a fee is charged for admission; |
|
(5) the interest involves only the right to use the |
|
property for grazing or other agricultural purposes; [or] |
|
(6) the property is: |
|
(A) owned by a municipality, a public port, or a |
|
navigation district created or operating under Section 59, Article |
|
XVI, Texas Constitution, or under a statute enacted under Section |
|
59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution; and |
|
(B) used as an aid or facility incidental to or |
|
useful in the operation or development of a port or waterway or in |
|
aid of navigation-related commerce; or |
|
(7) [(8)] the property is part of a rail facility |
|
owned by a rural rail transportation district [created or] |
|
operating under Chapter 172, Transportation Code [623, Acts of the
|
|
67th Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's
|
|
Texas Civil Statutes)]. |
|
ARTICLE 5. REPEALER |
|
SECTION 5.01. (a) The following provisions are repealed: |
|
(1) Title 112, Revised Statutes; |
|
(2) Article 3922, Revised Statutes; |
|
(3) Chapter 480 (H.B. 1656), Acts of the 73rd |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 1993 (Article 6370c, Vernon's Texas |
|
Civil Statutes); |
|
(4) Section 1, Chapter 140 (H.B. 525), Acts of the 40th |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 1927 (Article 6447a, Vernon's Texas |
|
Civil Statutes); |
|
(5) Section 1, Chapter 43 (H.B. 105), Acts of the 41st |
|
Legislature, 5th Called Session, 1930 (Article 6472a, Vernon's |
|
Texas Civil Statutes); |
|
(6) Section 1, Chapter 262 (S.B. 125), Acts of the 41st |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 1929 (Article 6519a, Vernon's Texas |
|
Civil Statutes); |
|
(7) Section 8, Chapter 65 (S.B. 389), Acts of the 67th |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6519c, Vernon's Texas |
|
Civil Statutes); and |
|
(8) Chapter 623 (H.B. 1822), Acts of the 67th |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 1981 (Article 6550c, Vernon's Texas |
|
Civil Statutes). |
|
(b) The repeal of Title 112, Revised Statutes, by this Act |
|
does not affect the validity of statutes that were not added to |
|
Title 112, Revised Statutes, by the legislature, but were |
|
unofficially printed in that title by any publisher of the Texas |
|
statutes, except as those articles are specifically repealed in |
|
Subsection (a) of this section. |
|
ARTICLE 6. LEGISLATIVE INTENT; EFFECTIVE DATE |
|
SECTION 6.01. LEGISLATIVE INTENT OF NO SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE. |
|
This Act is enacted under Section 43, Article III, Texas |
|
Constitution. No substantive change in law is intended by this Act. |
|
SECTION 6.02. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect April |
|
1, 2011. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
______________________________ |
|
President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
|
|
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1540 passed the Senate on |
|
April 23, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. |
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
Secretary of the Senate |
|
|
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1540 passed the House on |
|
May 11, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, two |
|
present not voting. |
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
Chief Clerk of the House |
|
|
|
|
|
Approved: |
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
Governor |