88R4216 BEE-D
 
  By: Harris of Williamson H.B. No. 5278
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study of stopped trains of excessive length that
  occupy railroad grade crossings for extended periods.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a)  The Texas Department of Transportation shall
  study the disruption to vehicular travel and access to residences
  caused by stopped trains of excessive length that occupy one or more
  railroad grade crossings for extended periods.  The study must
  address the potential impact of legislation regulating:
               (1)  the maximum length of trains in this state,
  including the minimum number of conductors that should be required
  for trains based on length; and
               (2)  the period of time for which a stopped train may
  occupy a railroad grade crossing.
         (b)  Not later than March 1, 2024, the Texas Department of
  Transportation shall submit to the standing committees of the
  legislature having jurisdiction over railroads a report on the
  findings of the study.
         (c)  This section expires March 2, 2024.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.