By: Schwertner S.B. No. 979

(In the Senate - Filed February 21, 2017; March 6, 2017, read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation; April 6, 2017, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; April 6, 2017, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 979 By: Hall

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the disposition of real property intended for high-speed rail projects.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 112, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 112.063 to read as follows:

Sec. 112.063. DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT. (a) In this section, "high-speed rail" means intercity passenger service that is reasonably expected to reach speeds of at least 110 miles per hour.

(b) A private entity that operates or plans to operate a high-speed rail project and acquires real property for a high-speed rail project through the threat of the exercise of a purported power of eminent domain:

(1) may not use the property for any purpose other than a high-speed rail project; and

(2) if the property is not used for a high-speed rail project, may not convey the property to any person unless the former property owner is given notice and opportunity to repurchase the property.

(c) This section applies to a private entity that represents itself:

(1) as a railroad, whether or not the entity is a railroad; or

(2) as another entity that may exercise the power of eminent domain.

SECTION 2. Section 112.063, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, applies only to real property acquired on or after September 1, 2017.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.

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