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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study on the implementation and effectiveness of |
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sound mitigation measures on certain highways. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. (a) The Texas A&M Transportation Institute |
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shall conduct a study assessing the implementation and |
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effectiveness of sound mitigation measures on highways that are |
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part of the state highway system and toll roads or turnpikes under |
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the jurisdiction of a toll project entity as defined by Section |
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372.001, Transportation Code. The study must include: |
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(1) an analysis of the process and methodology used by |
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the Texas Department of Transportation or toll project entity for |
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selecting and implementing sound mitigation measures, including |
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factors that affect the process and how outcomes are determined; |
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(2) an analysis of whether any kind of live testing is |
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conducted at any point to determine the actual traffic noise level |
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for neighboring properties; |
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(3) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the process |
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and methodology described by Subdivision (1) of this subsection in |
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reducing the traffic noise level for neighboring properties; and |
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(4) an evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented |
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sound mitigation measures in reducing the traffic noise level for |
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neighboring properties. |
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(b) Not later than November 1, 2016, the Texas A&M |
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Transportation Institute shall submit a report on the results of |
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the study and any recommendations to the governor, the lieutenant |
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governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the |
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presiding officer of each standing committee of the legislature |
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with jurisdiction over transportation matters. |
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(c) This Act expires August 31, 2017. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |