State
BY HANNAH NORTON
When the 89th Texas Legislature convened Jan. 14, state lawmakers had filed dozens of bills that could adjust transportation policies directly affecting Texans. Their proposals include creating a new high-speed rail line, allowing voters to approve future toll projects and increasing penalties for distracted driving. Sen. Sarah Eckhardt and Rep. John Bucy, both Democrats representing Austin, filed legislation in November calling for a high-speed rail project that would link San Antonio, Austin and Dallas along I-35. Under Senate Bill 424 and House Bill 483, Texas would partner with a private entity to build and operate a new rail line that would reach at least 110 miles per hour. State lawmakers propose rail line
Also of note
High-speed rail line proposal
Dallas
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Rep. Stan Gerdes, R-Smithville, filed HB 1589, which would require voter approval for new toll projects. Beginning Sept. 1, toll entities would not be allowed to construct new toll lanes or roads unless authorized by voters in each county impacted by the project. State lawmakers have an estimated $194.6 billion available for general- purpose spending as they write the 2026-27 state budget, Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 13. “When [taxpayer money] comes in to us to spend on roads and infrastructure, are we being responsible with it?” Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, said Dec. 12. “We all know that every new road we build, we are also responsible for the maintenance of that road, and that’s a continuing expense.”
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High-speed rail line
Austin
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San Antonio
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