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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the economic impact of closures on the state highway |
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system during certain periods. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 224, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 224.034 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 224.034. HIGHWAY CLOSURES DURING CERTAIN PERIODS. (a) |
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If a proposed improvement of the state highway system requires the |
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closing of a highway, the department shall, before entering into a |
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contract for the proposed improvement, coordinate the highway |
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closure by communicating in person or by telephone call, e-mail, or |
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other direct method of communication with public officials from |
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municipalities affected by the closure to avoid any adverse |
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economic impact on the municipalities during: |
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(1) periods of increased travel on the state highway |
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system, including major state and federal holidays and school |
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holidays; and |
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(2) other periods of high commercial activity in the |
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state, including limited periods in which certain items are |
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exempted from the sales tax imposed by Chapter 151, Tax Code. |
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(b) A contract for the proposed improvement of the state |
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highway system that requires the closing of a highway as described |
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by Subsection (a) must include a provision identifying the days on |
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which the highway may not be closed. |
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(c) The department shall submit an annual report to the |
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governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of |
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representatives, and each member of the legislature detailing all |
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highway closures during periods listed in Subsection (a) and the |
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estimated economic impact of those closures. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |