Honorable Geanie W. Morrison, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB975 by Birdwell (Relating to the security of high-speed rail operated by a private entity.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to authorize the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to adopt rules to administer and enforce certain security requirements for high-speed rail operators in a manner that is consistent with federal rules, regulations, and standards. The bill would require DPS to provide certain high-speed rail employees with emergency management training.
The bill would also specify security requirements for high-speed rail operators. The bill would require certain high-speed rail employees to complete the emergency management training provided by DPS. The bill would require high-speed rail operators to compensate peace officers for security services. The bill would require a high-speed rail operator to communicate as appropriate with the state Emergency Management Council and the Texas Division of Emergency Management about security issues.
It is assumed the costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
The bill would take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote of all the members of both chambers; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
601 Department of Transportation, 405 Department of Public Safety