BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 1026

By: Morales, Eddie

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that Farm-to-Market (FM) Roads 1021 and 1472 remain unpaved and inadequately maintained, creating ongoing challenges for residents, local officials, and border security personnel who rely on these critical corridors. Due to hazardous conditions, drivers are often forced to take longer detours, increasing travel time and disrupting the flow of transportation across multiple counties. Additionally, the bill author has informed the committee that stakeholders from Eagle Pass and Laredo have expressed strong support for upgrading these roads to improve regional connectivity and operational efficiency and that border security officials report that the deteriorating road conditions are contributing to congestion on nearby routes, slowing response times and hampering patrol efforts in this vital border region. However, it is important to note that the Texas Department of Transportation is unable to maintain or improve these roads under their current designation as FM roads. For any upgrades or maintenance to take place, FM 1021 and FM 1472 must first be incorporated into the state highway system. C.S.H.B. 1026 addresses the issue with regard to FM 1021 by requiring the Texas Transportation Commission to designate FM 1021 in Dimmit, Maverick, and Webb Counties as part of the state highway system.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 1026 requires the Texas Transportation Commission to designate Farm-to-Market Road 1021 in Dimmit County, Maverick County, and Webb County as part of the state highway system under Transportation Code provisions relating to the comprehensive system of highways and roads.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.H.B. 1026 may differ from the introduced in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following summarizes the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

Whereas the introduced amended the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure that a route in the state highway system, including Farm-to-Market Road 1021, between Eagle Pass and Laredo is sufficiently maintained to allow for economic development and the provision of border security along the route, the substitute requires the Texas Transportation Commission in nonamendatory provisions to designate Farm‑to-Market Road 1021 in Dimmit County, Maverick County, and Webb County as part of the state highway system under certain Transportation Code provisions.

The substitute changes the bill's effective date to provide for its possible immediate effect, contingent on receiving the requisite constitutional vote, whereas the introduced provided only for the bill to take effect September 1, 2025, with no possibility for immediate effect.