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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to land use requirements for certain toll projects. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 26, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended |
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by adding Section 26.005 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 26.005. LAND USE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN TOLL |
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PROJECTS. (a) In this section, "toll project" and "toll project |
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entity" have the meanings assigned by Section 372.001, |
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Transportation Code. |
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(b) A toll project entity may not construct or operate a |
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toll project connecting Interstate Highway 35E and U.S. Highway 175 |
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within the boundaries of a publicly owned greenbelt or other |
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similar open space that is preserved in a natural state and is |
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accessible to the public unless the governing body of the entity |
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demonstrates, in a written report submitted to the legislature, |
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that the entity or a political subdivision has, with respect to the |
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project, complied with the requirements of: |
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(1) Section 4(f), Department of Transportation Act of |
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1966 (23 U.S.C. Section 138 and 49 U.S.C. Section 303); or |
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(2) this chapter, if the entity or political |
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subdivision is unable to demonstrate compliance with the |
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requirements under Subdivision (1). |
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(c) For the purposes of complying with Subsection (b), land |
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proposed to be used for a toll project is considered to be land to |
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which a law described by Subsection (b)(1) or (2) applies. |
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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. |