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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study of the feasibility of establishing a regional |
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connected trails system. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. APPLICABILITY. This Act does not apply to |
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trails used for motorized vehicles. |
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SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The Parks and Wildlife Department |
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shall conduct a study on establishing a regional connected trails |
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system throughout the state to provide recreational opportunities |
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for Texans and highlight this state's scenery, wildlife, and |
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history. The study must evaluate and may develop recommendations |
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regarding: |
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(1) the feasibility of establishing a regional |
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connected trails system; |
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(2) proposed locations of regional connected trails; |
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(3) strategies for integrating existing trails into a |
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regional connected trails system; |
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(4) the capacity of the department to oversee a |
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regional connected trails system; |
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(5) the proposed allocation of state resources to fund |
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a regional connected trails system; and |
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(6) alternative proposals to increase, connect, and |
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protect outdoor recreational trails. |
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(b) In conducting the study, the department shall consult |
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with: |
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(1) Texas Department of Transportation; |
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(2) Texas Historical Commission; |
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(3) federal land management agencies; and |
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(4) counties and municipalities who maintain parks |
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with relevant trails. |
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SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2022, the |
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Parks and Wildlife Department shall submit to the governor, the |
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lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, |
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and the chair of each committee of the legislature that has primary |
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jurisdiction over the department a written report that summarizes |
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the findings of the study conducted and any recommendations |
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developed under Section 2 of this Act. |
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SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires February 1, 2023. |
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SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect |
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immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members |
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elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas |
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Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for |
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immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |