AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 790 directs the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to conduct a study assessing the implementation and effectiveness of sound mitigation measures on the state highway system and toll roads. 

 

A report of the results and recommendations shall be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives and the presiding officer of each standing committee of the legislature with jurisdiction over transportation matters by November 1, 2016.

 

H.B. 790 amends current law relating to a study on the implementation and effectiveness of sound mitigation measures on certain highways.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  (a)  Requires the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to conduct a study assessing the implementation and effectiveness of sound mitigation measures on highways that are part of the state highway system and toll roads or turnpikes under the jurisdiction of a toll project entity as defined by Section 372.001, Transportation Code.  Requires that the study include:

 

(1)  an analysis of the process and methodology used by the Texas Department of Transportation or toll project entity for selecting and implementing sound mitigation measures, including factors that affect the process and how outcomes are determined;

 

(2)  an analysis of whether any kind of live testing is conducted at any point to determine the actual traffic noise level for neighboring properties;

 

(3)  an evaluation of the effectiveness of the process and methodology described by Subdivision (1) of this subsection in reducing the traffic noise level for neighboring properties; and

 

(4)  an evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented sound mitigation measures in reducing the traffic noise level for neighboring properties.

 

(b)  Requires the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, not later than November 1, 2016, to submit a report on the results of the study and any recommendations to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of each standing committee of the legislature with jurisdiction over transportation matters.

 

(c)  Provides that this Act expires August 31, 2017.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.