H.B. No. 2956
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to municipal annexation of an area adjacent to contiguous
  or connecting railroad rights-of-way.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter E, Chapter 43, Local Government Code,
  is amended by adding Section 43.1057 to read as follows:
         Sec. 43.1057.  ANNEXATION OF AREA ADJACENT TO CONTIGUOUS OR
  CONNECTING RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other
  law, a municipality that is annexing an area under Subchapter C-3,
  C-4, C-5, or D may also annex with the initial area an additional
  area if:
               (1)  the area is adjacent to a right-of-way of a railway
  line, spur, or other railroad property that is:
                     (A)  contiguous and runs parallel to the
  municipality's boundaries; and
                     (B)  contiguous to the area being annexed under
  Subchapter C-3, C-4, C-5, or D; and
               (2)  each owner of the area agrees to the annexation by
  the municipality.
         (b)  For purposes of Subsection (a) or other law with a
  municipal boundary contiguous requirement, including a municipal
  charter or ordinance, an area adjacent or contiguous to the initial
  area being annexed under Subsection (a) is considered adjacent and
  contiguous to the annexing municipality.
         (c)  Section 43.054 does not apply to the annexation under
  this section of the additional area described by Subsection (a).
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2956 was passed by the House on May 6,
  2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 108, Nays 30, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2956 was passed by the Senate on May
  21, 2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 4.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor