84R27821 JRR-D
 
  By: Burkett, Villalba, et al. H.B. No. 790
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 790:
 
  By:  Pickett C.S.H.B. No. 790
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study on the implementation and effectiveness of
  sound mitigation measures on certain highways.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a) The Texas A&M Transportation Institute
  shall 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. The study must 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)  Not later than November 1, 2016, the Texas A&M
  Transportation Institute shall 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)  This Act expires August 31, 2017.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2015.