Bill Text: TX HB4422 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Relating to a study on enhancing border security outcomes through public safety, technological, and transportation infrastructure improvements near Texas-Mexico border crossings.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-3)

Status: (Passed) 2023-05-27 - Effective immediately [HB4422 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB4422-Introduced.html
 
 
  By: Canales H.B. No. 4422
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a study on enhancing border security outcomes through
  public safety, technological, and transportation infrastructure
  improvements near Texas-Mexico border crossings.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  DEFINITION. In this Act, "department" means the
  Texas Department of Transportation.
         SECTION 2.  STUDY. (a)  The department, in consultation with
  the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Military
  Department, local law enforcement near the Texas-Mexico border,
  Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the Southwest Research
  Institute, and transportation industry representatives, shall
  conduct a study on the public safety, border security, and
  modernization of transportation infrastructure from Texas-Mexico
  border crossings onto the state highway system for safe, efficient,
  and streamlined commercial motor vehicle connectivity that amplify
  Operation Lone Star efforts.
         (b)  The study shall:
               (1)  select multiple Texas-Mexico international border
  crossings that serve commercial vehicles for this study;
               (2)  analyze current transportation routes for
  commercial vehicles from border crossings onto the state highway
  system and identify ways to:
                     (A)  bolster border security initiatives that
  support Operation Lone Star or similar state security efforts;
                     (B)  fortify law enforcement response efforts
  near border crossings that maximize oversight, inspection, and
  public safety resources;
                     (C)  enhance transportation road infrastructure
  and road technology to maximize the safety of communities and
  driving public;
                     (D)  reduce traffic congestion along routes while
  mitigating safety concerns; and
                     (E)  bolster infrastructure and road technology
  to improve efficient and streamlined connectivity;
               (3)  analyze possible future transportation routes for
  greater efficiency in the movement of commercial vehicles from
  border crossings onto the state highway system that enhance safety,
  mitigate congestion, and streamline connectivity;
               (4)  assess current technologies utilized under
  existing border security efforts at commercial inspection
  facilities at or near border crossings and identify upgrades to or
  alternative technologies that may improve border security efforts,
               (5)  identify funding strategies and funding amounts to
  fill any gaps in transportation needs.
         SECTION 3.  REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2024, the
  department shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor,
  and the legislature a written report on the findings of the study
  conducted under this Act and any associated recommendations.
         SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 1, 2025.
         SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE. 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.
feedback