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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to equitable representation in decision making for |
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transportation planning. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Sections 201.051(b) and (i), Transportation |
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Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(b) The members shall be appointed to reflect the diverse |
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geographic regions and population groups of this state. One member |
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must reside in a rural area and be a registered voter of a county |
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with a population of less than 150,000. One member must have |
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experience as a frequent transit user, bicycle or pedestrian |
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commuter, or as a person with a disability that has affected their |
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use of the transportation system. |
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(i) Appointments to the commission shall [be made without |
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regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national |
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origin of the appointees and shall] reflect the diversity of the |
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population of the state as a whole. |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 201.6016 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 201.6016. EQUITABLE DECISION MAKING POLICY. The |
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department shall develop and implement a policy for equitable |
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decision making in the transportation planning process. The policy |
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must: |
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(1) analyze race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and |
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geographic representation in positions and on boards, commissions, |
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and committees responsible for transportation planning-related |
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decisions, including: |
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(A) metropolitan planning organization |
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committees; |
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(B) department executive leadership; |
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(C) the commission; and |
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(D) governing bodies of: |
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(i) regional mobility authorities, county |
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toll road authorities, and regional tollway authorities; |
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(ii) transit authorities; and |
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(iii) port authorities; |
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(2) analyze public participation in the department's |
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planning processes to ensure people of all races, ethnicities, |
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genders, abilities, socio-economic status, languages, and |
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geographic locations are successfully participating in those |
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processes; and |
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(3) establish guidelines for the entities under |
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Subdivision (1) to achieve equitable representation, including at |
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least the following: |
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(A) proposing new joint powers agreements and |
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bylaws to remedy problems; |
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(B) guidance on improving public processes; |
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(C) guidance for adopting proportional voting |
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systems based upon residential populations of member governments to |
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provide equal representation for all residents in decisions of |
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entities such as metropolitan planning organizations; and |
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(D) guidance for entities to include people with |
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disabilities at all levels of decision making. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |