TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 201. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

TRANSPORTATION CODE

TITLE 6. ROADWAYS

SUBTITLE A. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER 201. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 201.001. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this title:

(1) "Commission" means the Texas Transportation Commission.

(2) "Department" means the Texas Department of Transportation.

(3) "Director" means the executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation.

(b) In this subtitle, "toll project" means one or more tolled lanes of a highway or an entire toll highway constructed, maintained, or operated as a part of the state highway system and any improvement, extension, or expansion to the highway, including:

(1) a facility to relieve traffic congestion and promote safety;

(2) a bridge, tunnel, overpass, underpass, interchange, entrance plaza, approach, toll booth, toll plaza, service road, ramp, or service center;

(3) an administration, storage, or other building, operations center, maintenance or other facility, equipment, or system the department considers necessary to operate the project;

(4) property rights, easements, and interests the department acquires to construct, maintain, or operate the project;

(5) a parking area or structure, rest stop, park, and any other improvement or amenity the department considers necessary, useful, or beneficial for the operation and maintenance of the project; and

(6) a nontolled facility that is appurtenant to and necessary for the efficient operation and maintenance of the project, including a connector, service road, access road, ramp, interchange, bridge, or tunnel.

(c) In this chapter, "local transportation entity" means an entity that participates in the transportation planning process, including:

(1) a regional tollway authority under Chapter 366;

(2) a rapid transportation authority under Chapter 451;

(3) a regional transportation authority under Chapter 452;

(4) a rural transit district under Chapter 458;

(5) a coordinated county transportation authority under Chapter 460; or

(6) a metropolitan planning organization under Subchapter D, Chapter 472.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.01, eff. June 14, 2005.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.002. OPERATING EXPENSES; USE OF STATE HIGHWAY FUND. (a) The legislature has the responsibility to:

(1) appropriate money for the maintenance and operational expenses of the department;

(2) determine the number of employees of the department; and

(3) set the amount of compensation of all employees of the department, including the director, and the members of the commission.

(b) The comptroller shall contract for equipment and supplies, including seals and number plates, required by law in the administration of the registration of vehicles and in the operation of the department.

(c) All money authorized to be appropriated in accordance with this section for the operation of the department and the purchase of equipment shall be appropriated from the state highway fund. The commission shall use the amount remaining in the fund for the furtherance of public road construction and for establishing a system of state highways.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937 (H.B. 3560), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 201.003. TITLE CHANGES. (a) A reference in law to the State Highway Department, Texas Highway Department, or State Department of Highways and Public Transportation means the Texas Department of Transportation.

(b) A reference in law to the State Highway Commission or State Highway and Public Transportation Commission means the Texas Transportation Commission.

(c) A reference in law to the State Highway Engineer or State Engineer-Director for Highways and Public Transportation means the director of the Texas Department of Transportation.

(d) A reference in law to the commissioner of transportation means the chair of the commission.

(e) A reference in law to a member of the commission means a commissioner.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 140, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

SUBCHAPTER B. TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Sec. 201.051. COMMISSION. (a) The Texas Transportation Commission consists of five members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

(b) The members shall be appointed to reflect the diverse geographic regions and population groups of this state. One member must reside in a rural area and be a registered voter of a county with a population of less than 150,000.

(b-1) A member of the commission may not accept a contribution to a campaign for election to an elected office. If a commissioner accepts a campaign contribution, the person is considered to have resigned from the office and the office immediately becomes vacant. The vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided by law.

(d) A person is not eligible to serve as a member of the commission if the person or the person's spouse:

(1) is employed by or participates in the management of a business entity or other organization that is regulated by or receives funds from the department;

(2) directly or indirectly owns or controls more than 10 percent interest in a business entity or other organization that is regulated by or receives funds from the department;

(3) uses or receives a substantial amount of tangible goods, services, or funds from the department, other than compensation or reimbursement authorized by law for commission membership, attendance, or expenses; or

(4) is registered, certified, or licensed by the department.

(e) Repealed by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.49, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

(f) An officer, employee, or paid consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of road construction or maintenance, aviation, or outdoor advertising is not eligible to serve as a member of the commission.

(g) The spouse of an officer, manager, or paid consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of road construction or maintenance, aviation, or outdoor advertising is not eligible to serve as a member of the commission.

(h) A person required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code, because of the person's activities for compensation on behalf of a profession related to the operation of the department is not eligible to serve as a member of the commission.

(i) Appointments to the commission shall be made without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointees and shall reflect the diversity of the population of the state as a whole.

(j) In this section, "Texas trade association" means a cooperative and voluntarily joined statewide association of business or professional competitors in this state designed to assist its members and its industry or profession in dealing with mutual business or professional problems and in promoting their common interest.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.02, 1.49, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 140, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 3(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.052. TERMS. Members of the commission serve staggered six-year terms, with the terms of either one or two members expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 140, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 201.053. CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION. (a) The governor shall designate one commissioner as the chair of the commission, who shall serve as presiding officer of the commission.

(b) The chair shall:

(1) preside over commission meetings, make rulings on motions and points of order, and determine the order of business;

(2) represent the department in dealing with the governor;

(3) report to the commission the governor's suggestions for department operations;

(4) designate one or more employees of the department as a civil rights division of the department and receive regular reports from the division on the department's efforts to comply with civil rights legislation and administrative rules;

(5) create subcommittees, appoint commissioners to subcommittees, and receive the reports of subcommittees to the commission as a whole;

(6) appoint a commissioner to act in the chair's absence; and

(7) serve as the departmental liaison with the governor and the Office of State-Federal Relations to maximize federal funding for transportation.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 140, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1083 (S.B. 1179), Sec. 24, eff. June 17, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.054. COMMISSION MEETINGS. The commission shall hold regular meetings at least once a month and special meetings at the call of the chair. Commissioners shall attend the meetings of the commission. The chair shall oversee the preparation of an agenda for each meeting and ensure that a copy is provided to each commissioner at least seven days before the meeting.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 140, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 201.056. COMPENSATION. A member of the commission is entitled to compensation as provided by the General Appropriations Act. If compensation for members is not provided by that Act, each member is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing functions as a member of the commission.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.057. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL. (a) It is a ground for removal from the commission if a commissioner:

(1) does not have at the time of taking office or maintain during service on the commission the qualifications required by Section 201.051;

(2) violates a prohibition provided by Section 201.051;

(3) cannot discharge the commissioner's duties for a substantial part of the term for which the commissioner is appointed because of illness or disability; or

(4) is absent from more than half of the regularly scheduled commission meetings that the commissioner is eligible to attend during a calendar year, unless the absence is excused by majority vote of the commission.

(b) The validity of an action of the commission is not affected by the fact that it is taken when a ground for removal of a commissioner exists.

(c) If the director knows that a potential ground for removal exists, the director shall notify the chair of the commission of the ground, and the chair shall notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists. If the potential ground for removal relates to the chair, the director shall notify another commissioner, who shall notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 140, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.058. INFORMATION ON QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDUCT. The department shall provide to the members of the commission, as often as necessary, information concerning the members' qualifications for office and their responsibilities under applicable laws relating to standards of conduct for state officers.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.059. COMMISSION MEMBER TRAINING. (a) A person who is appointed to and qualifies for office as a member of the commission may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the commission until the person completes a training program that complies with this section.

(b) The training program must provide the person with information regarding:

(1) the law governing department operations;

(2) the programs, functions, rules, and budget of the department;

(3) the scope of and limitations on the rulemaking authority of the commission;

(4) the results of the most recent formal audit of the department;

(5) the requirements of:

(A) laws relating to open meetings, public information, administrative procedure, and disclosing conflicts of interest; and

(B) other laws applicable to members of the commission in performing their duties; and

(6) any applicable ethics policies adopted by the department or the Texas Ethics Commission.

(c) A person appointed to the commission is entitled to reimbursement, as provided by the General Appropriations Act, for the travel expenses incurred in attending the training program, regardless of whether the attendance at the program occurs before or after the person qualifies for office.

(d) The director shall create a training manual that includes the information required by Subsection (b). The director shall distribute a copy of the training manual annually to each member of the commission. On receipt of the training manual, each member of the commission shall sign and submit to the director a statement acknowledging receipt of the training manual.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.

SUBCHAPTER C. COMMISSION'S POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec. 201.101. RULES; RECORDS. The commission shall:

(1) adopt rules for the operation of the department;

(2) maintain a record of all proceedings and official orders; and

(3) keep on file copies of all road plans, specifications, and estimates prepared by the department or under its direction.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.102. SEPARATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The commission shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the policy-making responsibilities of the commission and the management responsibilities of the director and staff of the department.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.05, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.103. COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF HIGHWAYS AND ROADS. (a) The commission shall plan and make policies for the location, construction, and maintenance of a comprehensive system of state highways and public roads.

(b) The commission shall designate as part of the state highway system a highway that it determines is necessary for the proper development and operation of the system. The commission may remove a segment of the state highway system that it determines is not needed for the system. In planning and making policies, the commission shall consider, for incorporation into the state highway system, turnpikes that other governmental or private entities are authorized to construct.

(d) The director, under the direction and with the approval of the commission, shall prepare a comprehensive plan providing a system of state highways.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 668, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 99(29), eff. September 1, 2013.

Sec. 201.104. DESIGNATION OF FARM-TO-MARKET ROADS. (a) The commission may designate any county road as a farm-to-market road for the purposes of construction, reconstruction, and maintenance only, if the commissioners court of the county in which the county road is located by order entered in its minutes waives any rights the county may have for state participation in any indebtedness incurred by the county in the construction of the road.

(b) The commission and the county commissioners court by contract may set forth the duties of the state in the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of the county road in consideration for the county's, road district's, or defined road district's relinquishing all claims for state participation in any outstanding county or road district bond, warrant, or other evidence of indebtedness that is for the construction or improvement of the road and that was created before the road was designated by the commission.

(c) The assumption by the state of the obligation to construct and maintain a road designated under this section as a farm-to-market road is full and complete compensation for funds that were spent by the county, road district, or defined road district for the construction and maintenance of the road before its designation.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.105. DEPARTMENT DISTRICTS. (a) The commission shall divide the state into not more than 25 districts for the purpose of the performance of the department's duties.

(b) In determining a district's boundaries, the commission shall consider all costs and benefits, including highway activity in and the number of employees required for the proposed district.

(d) The commission shall determine the number of department offices necessary for maintenance and construction personnel in a district.

(e) The commission periodically shall review the necessity for the number of maintenance, construction, and support operations in each district. The commission shall include the findings of its review as a part of the department's budget request submitted to the Legislative Budget Board.

(f) The department is exempt from any law purporting to require the department to conform the provision of its services to service regions other than the districts established under this section.

(g) The commission may require by rule that any product or material that is approved for use in any one district may be approved for use by any other district.

(h) The commission by rule shall prescribe criteria for the classification of each district as metropolitan, urban, or rural. The rules must classify a district with a population of more than one million as metropolitan.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.35, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 532 (H.B. 3444), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.

Sec. 201.1055. AGREEMENTS WITH PRIVATE ENTITIES. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, including Subchapter A, Chapter 2254, Government Code, Chapters 2165, 2166, and 2167, Government Code, and Sections 202.052, 202.053, 203.051, 203.052, and 223.001 of this code, the department and a private entity that offers the best value to the state may enter into an agreement for the:

(1) acquisition, design, construction, or renovation, including site development, of a building or other facility required to support department operations located on real property owned or acquired by the department; or

(2) acquisition from the private entity of real property, a building, or other facility required to support department operations that is constructed on the real property in exchange for department-owned real property, including any improvements.

(b) A project described by this section that is not wholly paid for by an exchange of department-owned real property may be financed in accordance with Section 1232.111, Government Code.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 202.024, the commission may authorize the executive director to execute a deed exchanging department-owned real property under Subsection (a)(2).

(d) The commission shall notify the Bond Review Board and Texas Public Finance Authority of the proposed transaction not less than 45 days before the date the commission signs an agreement under this section providing for the exchange of department-owned real property under Subsection (a)(2).

(e) An agreement under this section providing for the exchange of department-owned real property under Subsection (a)(2) that has an appraised value greater than the appraised value of real property and improvements acquired by the department under the agreement must require the private entity to compensate the department for the difference. Any compensation paid by a private entity must be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund and is exempt from the application of Section 403.095, Government Code.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 19.01, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.02, eff. June 14, 2005.

Sec. 201.1056. AGREEMENTS FOR SERVICES ON FEDERAL MILITARY PROPERTY. (a) The department may enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Defense or another federal entity to allow the department to assist with the provision of any department services, including road maintenance, improvement, relocation, or extension services, for military installations.

(b) State funds may not be used to provide services under an agreement entered into under this section.

(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the department may not enter into an agreement under this section if payment for the services provided under the agreement would be made from funds provided to the state for public roads under Title 23, United States Code.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 154 (H.B. 3399), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.

Amended by:

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 160 (S.B. 1524), Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 2023.

Sec. 201.106. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS; PURCHASE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE. (a) This section applies to a claim against the department arising from the use, operation, or maintenance of equipment that is used or may be used in connection with the laying out, construction, or maintenance of the roads, highways, rest areas, or other public grounds in this state.

(b) The department may settle a claim described by Subsection (a) if:

(1) the department may be liable under Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies Code;

(2) the director determines that a settlement is in the best interest of the department; and

(3) the department's liability under the terms of the settlement is less than $10,000.

(d) Settlement of a claim under this section bars any action involving the same subject matter by the claimant against the department employees whose act or omission gave rise to the claim.

(e) The department may insure the officers and employees of the department for liability arising from a claim described by Subsection (a). Coverage under this subsection must be provided by the purchase of a policy of liability insurance from a reliable insurance company authorized to do business in this state. The form of the policy must be approved by the commissioner of insurance, and the coverage must be approved by the attorney general.

(f) This section is not a waiver of immunity of the state from liability for the torts or negligence of an officer or employee of this state.

(g) In this section, "equipment" includes an automobile, motor truck, trailer, aircraft, motor grader, roller, tractor, tractor power mower, and other power equipment.

(h) to (j) Deleted by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 634, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 59, Sec. 1, eff. May 15, 2003.

Sec. 201.1075. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. (a) The chief financial officer shall ensure that the department's financial activities are conducted in a transparent and reliable manner.

(b) The chief financial officer shall certify each month that any state highway construction and maintenance contracts to be awarded by the department during that month will not create state liability that exceeds the department's most recent cash flow forecast.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.108. INTERNAL AUDITOR. (a) The commission shall appoint an internal auditor for the department.

(b) The auditor shall report directly to the commission on the conduct of department affairs.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.109. REVENUE ENHANCEMENT. (a) The commission shall:

(1) enhance existing sources of revenue; and

(2) create alternate sources of revenue.

(b) In carrying out this section, the commission shall provide for:

(1) maximizing the generation of revenue from existing assets of the department, including real estate;

(2) increasing the role of the private sector and public-private projects in the leasing of real estate and other assets in the development of highway projects;

(3) setting and attempting to meet annual revenue enhancement goals;

(4) reporting on the progress in meeting revenue enhancement goals in the department's annual report;

(5) contracting for an independent audit of the department's management and business operations in 2007 and each 12th year after 2007;

(6) developing a cost-benefit analysis between the use of local materials previously incorporated into roadways versus use of materials blended or transported from other sources; and

(7) increasing private investment in the transportation infrastructure, including the acquisition of causeways, bridges, tunnels, turnpikes, or other transportation facilities, in the border region, including the counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Brewster, Brooks, Cameron, Crockett, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, El Paso, Frio, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Pecos, Presidio, Real, Reeves, San Patricio, Starr, Sutton, Terrell, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1395, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1413, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 2001.

Sec. 201.110. CONTRACT WITH ADJOINING STATE FOR IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD CROSSING STATES' BOUNDARY. (a) The commission, by the authority of the governor, may contract with an adjoining state to:

(1) provide for the improvement of a public road or highway that crosses the states' boundary; and

(2) establish respective responsibilities for the improvement.

(b) In a contract for an improvement of the state highway system that is subject to a contract under Subsection (a), the commission may provide for the improvement of a segment of a public road or highway located in the adjoining state if:

(1) the improvement of that segment is necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state and for the effective improvement and operation of the state highway system;

(2) that segment is an extension or continuation of a segment of the state highway system;

(3) the contract under Subsection (a) is authorized and executed under the law of the adjoining state; and

(4) all costs associated with the improvement of that segment are the responsibility of the adjoining state.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.111. RECOMMENDATION OF ENGINEER; DETERMINATION OF FITNESS. (a) On formal application by a county, road district of a county, or municipality, the commission may recommend for appointment a competent civil engineer who is a graduate of a first-class school of civil engineering and who is skilled in highway construction and maintenance.

(b) The commission shall adopt rules necessary to determine the qualifications of engineers who apply for highway construction work.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.112. CONTRACT CLAIMS. (a) The commission may by rule establish procedures for the informal resolution of a claim arising out of a contract described by:

(1) Section 22.018;

(2) Chapter 223;

(3) Chapter 361;

(4) Section 391.091; or

(5) Chapter 2254, Government Code.

(b) If a person with a claim is dissatisfied with the department's resolution of the claim under the procedures authorized under Subsection (a), the person may request a formal administrative hearing to resolve the claim under Chapter 2001, Government Code.

(c) An administrative law judge's proposal for decision rendered under Chapter 2001, Government Code, shall be submitted to the director for adoption. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the director may change a finding of fact or conclusion of law made by the administrative law judge or may vacate or modify an order issued by the administrative law judge. The director shall provide a written statement containing the reason and legal basis for a change made under this subsection.

(d) The director's final order is subject to judicial review under Chapter 2001, Government Code, under the substantial evidence rule.

(e) This section does not waive state immunity from liability.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.36(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 312, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 3, eff. June 20, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 15.01, eff. June 21, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 20.001, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 201.113. AGREEMENTS WITH REGIONAL TOLLWAY AUTHORITIES. (a) Notwithstanding Sections 221.003 and 224.031, the commission and a regional tollway authority governed by Chapter 366 may enter into an agreement for the improvement by a regional tollway authority of portions of the state highway system.

(b) In this section, "improvement" means construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and the making of a necessary plan or survey before beginning construction, reconstruction, or maintenance and includes a project or activity appurtenant to a state highway, including drainage facilities, surveying, traffic counts, driveways, landscaping, lights, or guardrails.

(c) An agreement entered into under this section may provide that an improvement of a portion of the state highway system by a regional tollway authority is governed by the provisions of Chapter 366 applicable to the performance of the same function for a turnpike project under that chapter and the rules and procedures adopted by the regional tollway authority under that chapter, in lieu of the laws, rules, or procedures applicable to the department for the performance of the same function.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.03, eff. June 14, 2005.

Sec. 201.114. BORDER TRADE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) In this section, "coordinator" means the border commerce coordinator designated under Section 772.010, Government Code.

(b) The coordinator shall serve on the Border Trade Advisory Committee as presiding officer. The commission shall appoint the other members of the committee, which to the extent practicable must include:

(1) the presiding officers, or persons designated by the presiding officers, of the policy boards of metropolitan planning organizations wholly or partly in the department's Pharr, Laredo, Odessa, or El Paso transportation district;

(2) the person serving, or a person designated by the person serving, in the capacity of executive director of each entity governing a port of entry in this state;

(3) a representative each from at least two institutes or centers operated by a university in this state that conduct continuing research on transportation or trade issues; and

(4) the port director of the Port of Brownsville or the port director's designee.

(c) The commission shall establish the Border Trade Advisory Committee to define and develop a strategy and make recommendations to the commission and governor for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges. In determining action to be taken on the recommendations, the commission shall consider the importance of trade with the United Mexican States, potential sources of infrastructure funding at border ports, including maritime ports, and the value of trade activity in the department's districts adjacent to the border with the United Mexican States.

(d) The commission may adopt rules governing the Border Trade Advisory Committee.

(e) Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the Border Trade Advisory Committee.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 912, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 791 (S.B. 183), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 178 (S.B. 816), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.115. BORROWING MONEY. (a) The commission may authorize the department to borrow money from any source to carry out the functions of the department.

(b) A loan under this section may be in the form of an agreement, note, contract, or other form as determined by the commission and may contain any provisions the commission considers appropriate, except:

(1) the term of the loan may not exceed two years;

(2) the amount of the loan, combined with any amounts outstanding on other loans under this section, may not exceed an amount that is two times the average monthly revenue deposited to the state highway fund for the 12 months preceding the month of the loan; and

(3) the loan may not create general obligation of the state and is payable only as authorized by legislative appropriation.

(c) If the department borrows money by the issuance of notes, the notes shall be considered a state security for purposes of Chapter 1231, Government Code.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 222.001, money in the state highway fund may be used to repay a loan under this section, if appropriated by the legislature for that purpose.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1281, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 13, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.04, eff. June 14, 2005.

Sec. 201.116. APPLICATION REQUIREMENT FOR COLONIAS PROJECTS. (a) In this section, "colonia" means a geographic area that:

(1) is an economically distressed area as defined by Section 17.921, Water Code;

(2) is located in a county any part of which is within 62 miles of an international border; and

(3) consists of 11 or more dwellings that are located in close proximity to each other in an area that may be described as a community or neighborhood.

(b) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 573 (S.B. 241), Sec. 3.01(5), eff. September 1, 2019.

(d) Regarding any projects funded by the commission that serve colonias by providing paved roads or other assistance, the commission shall require an applicant for the funds to submit to the commission a colonia classification number, if one exists, for each colonia that may be served by the project proposed in the application. If a colonia does not have a classification number, the commission may contact the secretary of state or the secretary of state's representative to obtain the classification number. On request of the commission, the secretary of state or the secretary of state's representative shall assign a classification number to the colonia.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 828 (S.B. 827), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 341 (S.B. 99), Sec. 17, eff. June 15, 2007.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 573 (S.B. 241), Sec. 2.11, eff. September 1, 2019.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 573 (S.B. 241), Sec. 2.12, eff. September 1, 2019.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 573 (S.B. 241), Sec. 3.01(5), eff. September 1, 2019.

Sec. 201.117. ADVISORY COMMITTEES. (a) The commission may establish, as it considers necessary, advisory committees on any of the matters under its jurisdiction.

(b) The commission shall determine the purpose, duties, and membership of each advisory committee.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (S.B. 348), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 201.118. NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING; ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES. (a) The commission shall develop and implement a policy to encourage the use of:

(1) negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter 2008, Government Code, for the adoption of department rules; and

(2) appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedures under Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the resolution of internal and external disputes under the department's jurisdiction.

(b) The department's procedures relating to alternative dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state agencies.

(1) coordinate the implementation of the policy adopted under Subsection (a);

(2) provide training as needed to implement the procedures for negotiated rulemaking or alternative dispute resolution; and

(3) collect data concerning the effectiveness of those procedures.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.119. LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST. (a) Department staff shall deliver the department's legislative appropriations request to the commission in an open meeting not later than the 30th day before the date the department submits the legislative appropriations request to the Legislative Budget Board.

(b) The commission may adopt the legislative appropriations request in the meeting described by Subsection (a) or in a subsequent open meeting.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2011.

SUBCHAPTER D. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Sec. 201.201. GOVERNANCE OF DEPARTMENT. The commission governs the Texas Department of Transportation.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.202. DIVISIONS; DIVISION PERSONNEL.

(a) The commission shall organize the department into divisions to accomplish the department's functions and the duties assigned to it, including divisions for:

(1) aviation;

(2) highways and roads; and

(3) public transportation.

(b) The person designated by the director to supervise the division responsible for highways and roads must be a registered professional engineer experienced and skilled in highway construction and maintenance.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2A.01, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2A.03, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 201.203. DEPARTMENT OFFICE. The department shall have its statewide headquarters office in Austin.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.07, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.2035. ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE. The department shall create and maintain an accounting structure for roadway and warehouse inventory of the department. The accounting structure must provide for the accounting for lost or destroyed materials.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.37, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.204. SUNSET PROVISION. The Texas Department of Transportation is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the department is abolished September 1, 2029.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 2 (S.B. 2), Sec. 1.11, eff. July 10, 2009.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1279 (H.B. 1675), Sec. 2.01, eff. June 14, 2013.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.2041. SUBMISSION OF FINANCIAL AUDIT TO SUNSET COMMISSION. (a) The department shall submit with its agency report under Section 325.007, Government Code, a complete and detailed financial audit conducted by an independent certified public accountant.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply if the department is subject to sunset review during the previous two-year period.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.205. PROTECTION AND USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PUBLICATIONS. (a) The department may:

(1) apply for, register, secure, hold, and protect under the laws of the United States, any state, or any nation a patent, copyright, trademark, or other evidence of protection or exclusivity issued in or for an idea, publication, or other original innovation fixed in a tangible medium, including:

(A) a literary work;

(B) a logo;

(D) a study;

(E) a map or planning document;

(F) an engineering, architectural, or graphic design;

(G) a manual;

(H) automated systems software;

(I) an audiovisual work;

(J) a sound recording; or

(K) travel literature, including a pamphlet, bulletin, book, map, periodical, or electronic information published or produced under Section 3, Chapter 193, Acts of the 56th Legislature, Regular Session, 1959 (Article 6144e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes);

(2) enter into a nonexclusive license agreement with a third party for the receipt of a fee, royalty, or other thing of monetary or nonmonetary value;

(3) waive or reduce the amount of a fee, royalty, or other thing of monetary or nonmonetary value to be assessed if the department determines that the waiver will:

(A) further the goals and missions of the department; and

(B) result in a net benefit to the state; and

(4) adopt and enforce rules necessary to implement this section.

(b) Money paid to the department under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.206. DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. (a) For the purpose of carrying out its functions and duties, the department may accept, from any source, a donation or contribution in any form, including realty, personalty, money, materials, or services.

(b) The department may enter into an agreement with a donor to publicly acknowledge donations made to the department. The public acknowledgment may not contain comparative or qualitative descriptions of the donor's products, services, facilities, or companies.

(c) If a person makes a donation to the department's roadside assistance and safety service patrol program, the department may post an acknowledgment of the donation on a vehicle or equipment the department uses for the program.

(d) The commission may adopt rules for the acknowledgment of donations under this section.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 969 (S.B. 2200), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2023.

Sec. 201.207. CROSS-BORDER TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE MEETINGS. (a) The department shall initiate efforts to meet at least quarterly with the department's counterparts in those states of the United Mexican States that border this state to discuss issues relating to truck inspections and transportation and infrastructure involved in truck inspections and transportation.

(b) To assist the department in carrying out this section, the department shall contact the border commerce coordinator designated under Section 772.010, Government Code, and the mayors of each municipality in this state in which a port of entry for land traffic is located.

(c) At least one department representative participating in a meeting under Subsection (a) must be proficient in Spanish.

(d) The department, in conjunction with the border commerce coordinator, shall develop short-range and long-range plans, including recommendations to increase bilateral relations with Mexico and expedite trade by mitigating delays in border crossing inspections for northbound truck traffic. In developing the plans, the department and coordinator shall consider information obtained from any meetings under Subsection (a). The department shall update the plan biennially.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 309 (S.B. 569), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 90, eff. September 1, 2013.

Sec. 201.208. PAYMENT OF FEES FOR DEPARTMENT GOODS AND SERVICES. (a) The commission may adopt rules regarding the method of payment of a fee for any goods sold or services provided by the department or for the administration of any department program.

(b) Goods sold and services provided include the sale of travel promotional materials and department publications and the issuance of licenses, permits, and registrations.

(1) authorize the use of electronic funds transfer or a valid credit card issued by a financial institution chartered by a state or the United States or by a nationally recognized credit organization approved by the department; and

(2) require the payment of a discount or service charge for a credit card payment in addition to the fee.

(d) Revenue generated from payments of discount or service charges under Subsection (c) shall be deposited in the state highway fund.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 507, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 918, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 201.209. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. (a) The department may enter into an interlocal contract with one or more local governments in accordance with Chapter 791, Government Code.

(b) The department by rule shall adopt policies and procedures consistent with applicable state procurement practices for soliciting and awarding the contracts under this section.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 869, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2001.

Sec. 201.210. LEGISLATIVE LOBBYING. (a) In addition to Section 556.006, Government Code, the commission or a department employee may not use money under the department's control or engage in an activity to influence the passage or defeat of legislation.

(b) Violation of Subsection (a) is grounds for dismissal of an employee.

(1) provide public information or information responsive to a request; or

(2) communicate with officers and employees of the federal government in pursuit of federal appropriations or programs.

(d) The department may not spend from funds appropriated to the department any money for the purpose of selecting, hiring, or retaining a person required to register under Chapter 305, Government Code, or the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. Section 1601 et seq.), unless that expenditure is allowed under state law.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.211. ETHICS AFFIRMATION AND HOTLINE. (a) A department employee shall annually affirm the employee's adherence to the ethics policy adopted under Section 572.051(c), Government Code.

(b) The department shall establish and operate a telephone hotline that enables a person to call the hotline number, anonymously or not anonymously, to report alleged fraud, waste, or abuse or an alleged violation of the ethics policy adopted under Section 572.051(c), Government Code.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2011.

SUBCHAPTER E. DIRECTOR

Sec. 201.301. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. (a) The commission shall elect an executive director for the department. The director must be experienced and skilled in transportation planning and development and in organizational management.

(b) The director serves at the will of the commission.

(d) The director shall:

(1) serve the commission in an advisory capacity, without vote; and

(2) submit to the commission, quarterly, annually, and biennially, detailed reports of the progress of public road construction, detailed reports of public and mass transportation development, and detailed statements of expenditures.

(e) The director is entitled to actual expenses for and related to travel away from Austin in performance of the director's duties under the direction of the commission.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 285, Sec. 31(47), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 776 (S.B. 970), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 201.302. STATE ROAD MAP. The director shall make, regularly revise, and keep in a form convenient for examination in the office of the department a complete road map of the state that shows road construction in the counties.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.303. USE OF UNIVERSITY LABORATORIES FOR ANALYZING MATERIALS. The director may use laboratories maintained at Texas A&M University and The University of Texas to test and analyze road and bridge material. Persons in charge of the laboratories shall cooperate with and assist the director with those tests and analyses.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

SUBCHAPTER F. DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES

Sec. 201.401. EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS. (a) A person may not be an employee of the department who is employed in a "bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity," as that phrase is used for purposes of establishing an exemption to the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.), if the person is:

(1) an officer, employee, or paid consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of road construction or maintenance or outdoor advertising; or

(2) the spouse of an officer, manager, or paid consultant described by Subdivision (1).

(b) A person may not act as general counsel to the department if the person is required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code, because of the person's activities for compensation on behalf of a profession related to the operation of the department. A person who acts as general counsel to the department must be licensed as an attorney in this state.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 13(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.402. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. (a) The director or the director's designee shall prepare and maintain a written policy statement to ensure implementation of a program of equal employment opportunity under which all personnel transactions are made without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin. The policy statement must include:

(1) personnel policies, including policies relating to recruitment, evaluation, selection, appointment, training, and promotion of personnel that comply with Chapter 21, Labor Code;

(2) a comprehensive analysis of the department work force that meets federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, and instructions directly adopted under those laws, rules, or regulations;

(3) procedures by which a determination can be made of significant underuse in the department work force of all persons for whom federal or state laws, rules, and regulations, and instructions directly adopted under those laws, rules, or regulations encourage a more equitable balance; and

(4) reasonable methods to appropriately address the areas of significant underuse.

(b) A policy statement prepared under Subsection (a) must cover an annual period, be updated at least annually, be reviewed by the Texas Commission on Human Rights for compliance with Subsection (a)(1), and be filed with the governor's office.

(c) The governor's office shall deliver a biennial report to the legislature based on the information received under Subsection (b). The report may be made separately or as a part of other biennial reports made to the legislature.

(d) The department's designated equal employment opportunity officer shall report directly to the director.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.09, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.403. HIRING WOMEN AND MINORITIES. (a) To provide adequate numbers of women and minority applicants for all positions in the department, the department shall:

(1) open all positions compensated at or above the amount prescribed by the General Appropriations Act for salary group B17 of the position classification salary schedule to applicants from inside and outside the department;

(2) seek applicants from this state and, if sufficient numbers are not available from this state, from other states;

(3) coordinate recruiting efforts with college placement officers and college student organizations;

(4) develop an extensive cooperative education program with colleges; and

(5) ensure that employees are aware of continuing educational opportunities and encourage employee participation in the programs.

(b) The department shall designate a central authority to set and monitor women and minority hiring goals. After consultation with appropriate persons in each division and regional office, the central authority shall set annual women and minority hiring goals in each division and regional office of the department and shall monitor progress toward those goals. The central authority shall provide recruiting and technical assistance to each division and regional office.

(d) In this section, "minority" includes African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, American Indians, Alaska natives, and Pacific Islanders.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 595 (H.B. 1814), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1083 (S.B. 1179), Sec. 25(160), eff. June 17, 2011.

Sec. 201.404. EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS. (a) The director or the director's designee shall develop an intra-agency career ladder program that addresses opportunities for mobility and advancement for employees in the department. The program shall require intra-agency posting of all positions concurrently with any public posting.

(b) The director or the director's designee shall develop a system of annual performance evaluations that are based on documented employee performance. All merit pay for department employees must be based on the system established under this subsection.

(b-1) If an annual performance evaluation indicates unsatisfactory performance by an employee employed in a position at or above the level of district engineer or division or office director, the commission shall consider whether the employee should be terminated. The annual performance evaluation of a position described by this subsection must include an evaluation of an employee's:

(1) professionalism;

(2) diligence; and

(3) responsiveness to directives and requests from the commission and the legislature.

(b-2) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017.

(c) The department shall provide to its employees, as often as necessary, information concerning the employees' qualifications for employment under this subchapter and their responsibilities under applicable laws relating to standards of conduct for state employees.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 74(2), eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.405. EXCHANGE OF ENGINEERS WITH MEXICO. (a) The commission may employ not more than five citizens of the United Mexican States who are student engineers or graduate engineers for a period of not more than six months and pay those employees for their services from the state highway fund if the United Mexican States employs an equal number of engineers of the department in similar work in the United Mexican States for similar periods and pays them for their services.

(b) The commission may grant leaves of absence to not more than five engineers of the department to accept employment with the United Mexican States as provided under Subsection (a).

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.406. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE. (a) In addition to authority granted by other law, the department may reimburse transferred employees for expenses or costs related to selling existing housing and purchasing and financing comparable replacement housing if the director determines that the transfer will enhance the department's ability to accomplish its goals and missions.

(b) For purposes of this section, the following expenses or costs related to the selling of existing housing and the leasing, purchasing, and financing of comparable replacement housing are reimbursable:

(1) any commissions and fees due to a broker or real estate agent;

(2) costs incurred as a purchaser to obtain a home loan, including loan application fees, credit report fees, and mortgage points;

(3) origination fees, title insurance, recording fees, and all other closing costs required to be paid by the employee;

(4) fees or charges, other than refundable deposits, necessary to establish telephone, gas, and electric service; and

(5) travel expenses incurred while looking for a new residence, reimbursed at the standard mileage rate, for travel to and from the new designated headquarters.

(1) provide reimbursement for more than five employees per fiscal year;

(2) pay a sum of more than $15,000 to any employee;

(3) purchase or pay any part of the purchase price of any employee's home;

(4) provide reimbursement for the purchase or financing of a house if the employee did not own and occupy existing housing at the time of transfer; or

(5) provide reimbursement when the distance between the two designated headquarters of a transferred employee is less than 25 miles.

(d) The department may pay the reasonable, necessary, and resulting costs of moving the household goods and effects of a transferred employee if:

(1) the director determines that the transfer will enhance the department's ability to accomplish its goals and missions; and

(2) the distance between the two designated headquarters of a transferred employee is at least 25 miles.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.38, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.407. TRAINING ON SMUGGLING AND TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS. (a) The department shall develop and make available to employees of the department a training course on the recognition and prevention of smuggling and trafficking of persons.

(b) The department, in collaboration with the office of the attorney general, shall establish the content of the training developed under Subsection (a).

(c) On the date an employee begins employment with the department, the department shall provide notice to the employee of the availability of the training developed under Subsection (a).

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 642 (S.B. 1593), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.

SUBCHAPTER F-1. COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

Sec. 201.451. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE. The commission shall establish a compliance program, which must include a compliance office to oversee the program. The compliance office is responsible for:

(1) acting to prevent and detect serious breaches of departmental policy, fraud, waste, and abuse of office, including any acts of criminal conduct within the department;

(2) independently and objectively reviewing, investigating, delegating, and overseeing the investigation of:

(A) conduct described by Subdivision (1);

(B) criminal activity in the department;

(D) crimes committed on department property; and

(E) serious breaches of department policy;

(3) overseeing the operation of the telephone hotline established under Section 201.211;

(4) ensuring that members of the commission and department employees receive appropriate ethics training; and

(5) performing other duties assigned to the office by the commission.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 15(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.452. INVESTIGATION OVERSIGHT. (a) The compliance office has primary jurisdiction for oversight and coordination of all investigations occurring on department property or involving department employees.

(b) The compliance office shall coordinate and provide oversight for an investigation under this subchapter, but the compliance office is not required to conduct the investigation.

(c) The compliance office shall continually monitor an investigation conducted within the department, and shall report to the commission on the status of pending investigations.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 15(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.453. INITIATION OF INVESTIGATIONS. The compliance office may only initiate an investigation based on:

(1) authorization from the commission;

(2) approval of the director of the compliance office;

(3) approval of the executive director or deputy executive director of the department; or

(4) commission rules.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 15(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.454. REPORTS. (a) The compliance office shall report directly to the commission regarding performance of and activities related to investigations and provide the director with information regarding investigations as appropriate.

(b) The director of the compliance office shall present to the commission at each regularly scheduled commission meeting and at other appropriate times:

(1) reports of investigations; and

(2) a summary of information relating to investigations conducted under this subchapter that includes analysis of the number, type, and outcome of investigations, trends in investigations, and recommendations to avoid future complaints.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 15(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.455. COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS AND OTHER ENTITIES. (a) The director of the compliance office shall provide information and evidence relating to criminal acts to the state auditor's office and appropriate law enforcement officials.

(b) The director of the compliance office shall refer matters for further civil, criminal, and administrative action to appropriate administrative and prosecutorial agencies, including the attorney general.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 15(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.456. AUTHORITY OF STATE AUDITOR. This subchapter or other law related to the operation of the department's compliance program does not preempt the authority of the state auditor to conduct an audit or investigation under Chapter 321, Government Code, or other law.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 15(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

SUBCHAPTER G. RECORDS

Sec. 201.501. REPRODUCTION OF RECORDS. (a) The department may photograph, microphotograph, or film any record that pertains to department operations.

(b) The department may create original records in micrographic form on media, such as computer output microfilm.

(c) The department shall provide an adequate number of microfilm readers and printers to allow the public convenient and inexpensive access to records created under Subsection (a). The department shall index the records alphabetically, by number, by subject matter, or by other appropriate references and shall provide the index to the public to promote convenient access.

(d) A photograph, microphotograph, or film of a record reproduced under Subsection (a) is equivalent to the original record for all purposes, including introduction as evidence in all courts and administrative agency proceedings. A certified or authenticated copy of such a photograph, microphotograph, or film is admissible as evidence equally with the original photograph, microphotograph, or film.

(e) The director or an authorized representative may certify the authenticity of a photograph, microphotograph, or film of a record reproduced under this section and shall charge a fee for the certified photograph, microphotograph, or film as provided by law.

(f) Certified records shall be furnished to any person who is authorized by law to receive them.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.502. RETENTION OF DEED. A deed that conveys any interest in real property to the state for a highway purpose shall be deposited and retained in the Austin office of the department.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.503. DISPOSAL OF RECORDS. Unless otherwise required by law, and subject to Chapter 441, Government Code, the department may dispose of or destroy a record that the department determines is not required for the performance of the department's duties and functions.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

SUBCHAPTER H. PLANS AND PROJECTS

Sec. 201.601. STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. (a) The department shall develop a statewide transportation plan covering a period of 24 years that contains all modes of transportation, including:

(1) highways and turnpikes;

(2) aviation;

(3) mass transportation;

(4) railroads and high-speed railroads; and

(5) water traffic.

(a-1) The plan must:

(1) contain specific and clearly defined transportation system strategies, long-term transportation goals for the state and measurable targets for each goal, and other related performance measures;

(2) identify priority corridors, projects, or areas of the state that are of particular concern to the department in meeting the goals established under Subdivision (1); and

(3) contain a participation plan specifying methods for obtaining formal input on the goals and priorities identified under this subsection from:

(A) other state agencies;

(B) political subdivisions;

(D) the general public.

(b) As appropriate, the department and the entities listed in Subsection (a-1)(3) shall enter into a memorandum of understanding relating to the planning of transportation services.

(c) The plan must include a component that is not financially constrained and identifies transportation improvements designed to relieve congestion. In developing this component of the plan, the department shall seek opinions and assistance from officials who have local responsibility for modes of transportation listed in Subsection (a).

(d) In selecting transportation projects, the department shall consider the transportation system strategies, goals and measurable targets, and other related performance measures established under Subsection (a-1)(1).

(e) The department annually shall provide to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chair of the standing committee of each house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over transportation issues an analysis of the department's progress in attaining the goals under Subsection (a-1)(1). The department shall make the information under this subsection available on its Internet website.

(f) The department shall update the plan every four years or more frequently as necessary.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 19.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.6011. INTERNATIONAL TRADE CORRIDOR PLAN. (a) To the extent possible, the department shall coordinate with appropriate entities to develop an integrated international trade corridor plan. The plan must:

(1) include strategies and projects to aid the exchange of international trade using the system of multiple transportation modes in this state;

(2) assign priorities based on the amount of international trade, measured by weight and value, using the transportation systems of this state, including:

(A) border ports of entry;

(B) commercial ports;

(D) highways;

(E) pipelines;

(F) railroads; and

(G) deepwater gulf ports; and

(3) address implementation of the recommendations of the Border Trade Advisory Committee under Section 201.114.

(b) The department shall update the plan biennially and report on the implementation of this section to the presiding officer of each house of the legislature no later than December 1 of each even-numbered year.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 312, Sec. 78(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 791 (S.B. 183), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2005.

Sec. 201.6012. COORDINATION OF STATEWIDE PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEM. To facilitate the development and interconnectivity of rail systems in this state, the department shall coordinate activities regarding the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of a statewide passenger rail system. The department shall coordinate with other entities involved with passenger rail systems, including governmental entities, private entities, and nonprofit corporations.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 801 (S.B. 1382), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 201.6013. LONG-TERM PLAN FOR STATEWIDE PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEM. (a) The department shall:

(1) prepare a long-term plan for a statewide passenger rail system; and

(2) update the plan at least once every five years.

(b) Information contained in the plan must include:

(1) a description of existing and proposed passenger rail systems;

(2) information regarding the status of passenger rail systems under construction;

(3) an analysis of potential interconnectivity difficulties;

(4) an analysis of short-term and long-term effects of each proposed passenger rail system on state and local road connectivity, including effects on oversize or overweight vehicles and other commercial traffic;

(5) an analysis of the effect of each proposed passenger rail system on statewide transportation planning, including the effect on future state and local road construction and road maintenance needs;

(6) ridership projections for proposed passenger rail projects; and

(7) ridership statistics for existing passenger rail systems.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 801 (S.B. 1382), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.6015. INTEGRATION OF PLANS AND POLICY EFFORTS. In developing each of its transportation plans and policy efforts, the department must:

(1) clearly reference the statewide transportation plan under Section 201.601;

(2) include in the plan or policy effort the transportation system strategies, goals and measurable targets, and other related performance measures established under Section 201.601(a-1)(1); and

(3) specify how the plan or policy effort supports the specific goals established under Section 201.601(a-1)(1).

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.602. PROJECT SELECTION HEARINGS. The commission annually shall hold hearings on its highway project selection process and the relative importance of the various criteria on which the commission bases its project selection decisions.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.603. AGREEMENT WITH OTHER AGENCIES FOR ROADS. (a) On request of the Health and Human Services Commission or the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the department may enter into agreements with either agency for the construction, maintenance, or repair of roads in an institution, hospital, or school under the control, management, or supervision of that agency.

(b) The Health and Human Services Commission or the Texas Juvenile Justice Department may reimburse the appropriate fund of the department for the cost of construction or maintenance performed under Subsection (a). Before a transfer of an amount under this subsection, the reimbursing agency shall notify in writing the comptroller of the amount to be transferred and the fund from which the amount is to be taken.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 146, eff. September 1, 2015.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 30 (H.B. 446), Sec. 12.01, eff. September 1, 2023.

Sec. 201.6035. AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS. (a) The department may assume responsibilities of the United States Department of Transportation with respect to duties under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. Section 4321 et seq.) and with respect to duties under other federal environmental laws. The department may:

(1) assume responsibilities under 23 U.S.C. Sections 326 and 327; and

(2) enter into one or more agreements, including memoranda of understanding, with the United States secretary of transportation related to:

(A) designating categorical exclusions from federally required environmental assessments or impact statements for highway projects as provided by 23 U.S.C. Section 326; or

(B) the federal surface transportation project delivery program for the delivery of transportation projects, including highway, railroad, public transportation, and multimodal projects, as provided by 23 U.S.C. Section 327.

(b) The commission may adopt rules to implement this section and may adopt relevant federal environmental standards as the standards for this state for a program described by Subsection (a).

(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), sovereign immunity to suit in federal court and from liability is waived and abolished with regard to the compliance, discharge, or enforcement of a responsibility assumed by the department under this section.

(d) Subsection (c) does not create liability for the department that exceeds the liability created under 23 U.S.C. Section 326(c)(3) or 327(d).

Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 86 (S.B. 466), Sec. 1, eff. May 18, 2013.

Sec. 201.604. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. (a) The commission by rule shall provide for the commission's environmental review of the department's transportation projects that are not subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. Section 4321 et seq.). The rules must provide for:

(1) public comment on the department's environmental reviews, including the types of projects for which public hearings are required, and a procedure for requesting a public hearing on an environmental review for which a public hearing is not required;

(2) the department's evaluation of direct and indirect effects of its projects;

(3) analysis of project alternatives; and

(4) a written report that briefly explains the department's decision on a project and that specifies the mitigation measures on environmental harm on which the project is conditioned.

(b) An environmental review of a project must be conducted before the location or alignment of the project has been adopted.

(d) The department shall coordinate with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the Parks and Wildlife Department in preparing an environmental review. To give those agencies time to respond, the department shall submit the review of a project and the department's mitigation proposals on the project to them for comment before the 30th day preceding the date on which the department issues the written report explaining its decision on that project.

(e) At least once during each five-year period, the commission, after a public hearing, shall review the rules relating to environmental reviews and make appropriate changes.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.606. PROPERTY IN ENDANGERED SPECIES HABITAT. If the department acquires for a transportation project property that is a habitat of one or more species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq.) and that is within the boundaries of a regional habitat conservation plan, the department may participate in the regional habitat conservation plan. If the department does not comply with the regional habitat conservation plan, it shall comply with the Endangered Species Act and the applicable requirements of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.607. ENVIRONMENTAL, HISTORICAL, OR ARCHEOLOGICAL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. (a) Not later than January 1, 1997, and every fifth year after that date, the department and each state agency that is responsible for the protection of the natural environment or for the preservation of historical or archeological resources shall examine and revise their memorandum of understanding that:

(1) describes the responsibilities of each agency entering into the memorandum relating to the review of the potential environmental, historical, or archeological effect of a highway project;

(2) specifies the responsibilities of each agency entering into the memorandum relating to the review of a highway project;

(3) specifies the types of information the department must provide to the reviewing agency and the period during which the department must provide the information;

(4) specifies the period during which the reviewing agency must review the highway project and provide comments to the department, as negotiated by the department and the agency but which may not exceed 45 days after the date the agency receives a request for comments from the department;

(5) specifies that comments submitted to the department later than the period specified under Subdivision (4) will be considered by the department to the extent possible; and

(6) includes any other agreement necessary for the effective coordination of the review of the environmental, historical, or archeological effect of a highway project.

(b) The department and each agency by rule shall adopt all revisions to the memorandum.

(c) The department by rule shall establish procedures concerning coordination with agencies in carrying out responsibilities under agreements under this section.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 18(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.608. PROJECTS FOR TRAFFIC FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE. (a) The department annually shall review its proposed road projects to determine whether the projects are adequate to allow for the projected volume of highway traffic resulting from international trade over the five-year period following the date of the review.

(b) The department may reassign priorities to its projects in accordance with the results of its review.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 99(30), eff. September 1, 2013.

Sec. 201.609. NOTICE TO LEGISLATORS OF COMPLETED PROJECTS. (a) Not later than the 10th day before the date on which a major road project is scheduled for completion, the department shall provide notice of the location and completion date of the road project to each member of the legislature who represents the county in which the road project is located and who wants to receive the notice.

(b) The department shall ask each legislator whether the legislator wants to receive notices under this section.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.610. HIGHWAY SOUND BARRIERS. The department may erect a sound barrier to reduce the noise from a road or highway in the state highway system at any location the department determines is appropriate, including along the right-of-way of a railroad that runs parallel or adjacent to a road or highway.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.39, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.611. COORDINATION OF FLOOD CONTROL. In the construction of its highway projects, the department shall coordinate with local flood control authorities to minimize the impact of flooding.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.40, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.612. APPROVAL BY COMMISSION OF BRIDGE OVER RIO GRANDE. (a) A political subdivision or private entity authorized to construct or finance the construction of a bridge over the Rio Grande:

(1) must obtain approval from the commission and from the United States under Subchapter IV, Chapter 11, Title 33, United States Code, for the construction of the bridge; and

(2) shall submit to the commission a report that details the feasibility, location, economic effect, and environmental impact of the bridge and any other information the commission by rule may require.

(b) The department shall:

(1) to the maximum extent practicable, implement the approval process in the manner least burdensome to an applicant; and

(2) allow an applicant to concurrently seek approval from the commission and the United States under Subsection (a)(1).

(1) the financial resources available to the political subdivision or private entity for construction of the bridge;

(2) whether the revenue to be generated by the bridge is sufficient to finance the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the bridge;

(3) whether the construction of the bridge is consistent with the transportation plan adopted by the state and, if appropriate, by the metropolitan planning organization with jurisdiction over the bridge;

(4) the potential effect of the bridge on:

(A) the economy of the region in which the bridge is to be located;

(B) the environment of the region in which the bridge is to be located;

(D) the free flow of trade between the United Mexican States and this state; and

(5) commitments from the appropriate jurisdictions of the United Mexican States to provide adequate approach roadways to the bridge.

(d) In determining whether to approve the construction of the bridge, the commission shall solicit the advice of:

(1) the Department of Public Safety;

(2) the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission;

(3) the Texas Historical Commission;

(4) the Department of Agriculture;

(5) the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission;

(6) the Texas Department of Commerce; and

(7) any other state agency the commission determines is appropriate.

(e) If the commission fails to make a determination before the 121st day after the date the commission receives a request for approval under Subsection (a), the request is considered approved.

(f) The commission may adopt rules to administer this section.

(g) If the commission does not approve construction of the bridge, the applicant shall withdraw the request for approval from the United States.

(h) A political subdivision is not required to comply with Subsection (a) for a project that:

(1) is for the reconstruction, improvement, expansion, or maintenance of an existing bridge; and

(2) has received approval from the United States under 33 U.S.C. Chapter 11, Subchapter IV (33 U.S.C. Section 535 et seq.), authorizing the project.

Added by Acts 1997, ch. 165, Sec. 30.08(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, ch. 165, Sec. 30.08(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Sec. 201.610 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(93), eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 982 (S.B. 2243), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2021.

Sec. 201.613. ONE-STOP BORDER INSPECTION FACILITIES. (a) The department shall erect and maintain border inspection facilities along a major highway at or near a border crossing from Mexico in the Pharr, Laredo, and El Paso districts for the inspection of motor vehicles for compliance with federal and state commercial motor vehicle regulations.

(b) If a facility that serves a bridge that had more than 900,000 commercial border crossings during the state fiscal year ending August 31, 2002, is to be located in a municipality or a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction, the municipality may choose the location of the facility within the municipality or the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The municipality shall choose a location before the later of the 180th day after:

(1) the date the department makes a request for a location; or

(2) the effective date of the Act enacting this provision.

(d) In determining the location for a border inspection facility under Subsection (b), the municipality shall:

(1) obtain and pay for an independent study completed by a university that conducts transportation studies or any other entity that conducts transportation studies to identify commercial truck traffic patterns for the location at which the facility is to be located to ensure that the location has adequate capacity to conduct a sufficient number of meaningful vehicle safety inspections in compliance with 49 U.S.C. Section 13902;

(2) choose a location that does not impair the receipt of federal or state funds for implementation of this section;

(3) choose a location within one mile of an international border;

(4) choose a location within one mile of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection federal port of entry; and

(5) choose a location that provides a dedicated route for commercial vehicles coming from the federal port of entry to the state port of entry commercial vehicle inspection station.

(e) To the extent the department considers appropriate to expedite commerce, the department shall provide for implementation by the appropriate agencies of the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Commercial Vehicle Operations (ITS/CVO) in:

(1) any new commercial motor vehicle inspection facility constructed; and

(2) any existing facility to which this section applies.

(f) Implementation of systems under Subsection (e) must be based on the Texas ITS/CVO business plan prepared by the department, the Department of Public Safety, and the comptroller. The department shall coordinate with other state and federal transportation officials to develop interoperability standards for the systems.

(g) In implementing systems under Subsection (e) in the construction of a facility, the department to the greatest extent possible shall:

(1) enhance efficiency and reduce complexity for motor carriers by providing:

(A) a single point of contact between carriers and state and federal officials regulating the carriers; and

(B) a single point of information, available to wireless access, about federal and state regulatory and enforcement requirements;

(2) prevent duplication of state and federal procedures and locations for regulatory and enforcement activities, including consolidation of collection of applicable fees;

(3) link information systems of the department, the Department of Public Safety, the comptroller, and, to the extent possible, the United States Department of Transportation and other appropriate regulatory and enforcement entities; and

(4) take other necessary action to:

(A) facilitate the flow of commerce;

(B) assist federal interdiction efforts;

(D) prevent highway damage caused by overweight commercial motor vehicles; and

(E) seek federal funds to assist in the implementation of this section.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1527, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1275 (H.B. 3594), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 201.614. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM. (a) The department shall establish and administer a Safe Routes to School Program to distribute money received under the Hazard Elimination Program (23 U.S.C. Section 152), as amended, to political subdivisions for projects to improve safety in and around school areas. Projects eligible to receive money under this program may include:

(1) installation of new crosswalks and bike lanes;

(2) construction of multiuse trails;

(3) construction and replacement of sidewalks;

(4) implementation of traffic-calming programs in neighborhoods around schools; and

(5) construction of wide outside lanes to be used as bike routes.

(b) The department, in considering project proposals under this section, shall consider:

(1) the demonstrated need of the applicant;

(2) the potential of the proposal to reduce child injuries and fatalities;

(3) the potential of the proposal to encourage walking and bicycling among students;

(4) identification of safety hazards;

(5) identification of current and potential walking and bicycling routes to school; and

(6) support for the projects proposed by local school-based associations, traffic engineers, elected officials, law enforcement agencies, and school officials.

(c) The department may allocate money received by the department from the federal government under the Hazard Elimination Program (23 U.S.C. Section 152), as amended, to projects under this section.

(d) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Sec. 201.615. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS. (a) The department shall consider the following factors when developing transportation projects that involve the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or resurfacing of a highway, other than a maintenance resurfacing project:

(1) the extent to which the project promotes safety;

(2) the durability of the project;

(3) the economy of maintenance of the project;

(4) the impact of the project on:

(A) the natural and artificial environment;

(B) the scenic and aesthetic character of the area in which the project is located;

(D) each affected local community and its economy;

(5) the access for other modes of transportation, including those that promote physically active communities; and

(6) except as provided by Subsection (c), the aesthetic character of the project, including input from each affected local community.

(b) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this section.

(c) Subsection (a)(6) does not apply to transportation projects that involve the rehabilitation or resurfacing of a bridge or highway.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1264, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from Transportation Code Sec. 201.614 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(125), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.05, eff. June 14, 2005.

Sec. 201.616. ANNUAL REPORT TO LEGISLATURE ON CERTAIN MATTERS. (a) Not later than December 1 of each year, the department shall submit a report to the legislature that details:

(1) the expenditures made by the department in the preceding state fiscal year in connection with:

(A) the unified transportation program of the department;

(B) turnpike projects and toll roads of the department; and

(2) the amount of bonds or other public securities issued for transportation projects; and

(3) the direction of money by the department to a regional mobility authority in this state.

(b) The report must break down information under Subsection (a)(1)(A) by program category and department district. The report must break down information under Subsections (a)(1)(B) and (C) and Subsection (a)(3) by department district. The report must break down information under Subsection (a)(2) by department district and type of project.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 8, Sec. 5.02, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 259 (H.B. 1201), Sec. 4, eff. June 17, 2011.

Sec. 201.617. MITIGATION OF ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS. (a) If authorized by an applicable regulatory authority, to mitigate an adverse environmental impact that is a direct result of the construction, improvement, or maintenance of a state highway or the construction, improvement, or maintenance of a facility used in connection with the construction, maintenance, or operation of a state highway, the department may:

(1) pay a fee to an appropriate public agency or private entity in lieu of acquiring or agreeing to manage property;

(2) transfer any interest in real property to an appropriate public agency or private entity, as authorized by the regulatory authority that requires the mitigation, with or without monetary consideration if the property is used or is proposed to be used for mitigation purposes; or

(3) contract with any public or private entity for the management of property owned by the department and used for mitigation purposes.

(a-1) Before the commission may acquire by purchase or condemnation real property to mitigate an adverse environmental impact that is a direct result of a state highway improvement project, the department shall, if authorized by an applicable regulatory authority, offer to purchase a conservation easement from the owner of the real property. If the landowner does not accept the offer to execute a conservation easement before the 61st day after the date the offer is made, the department may acquire the property by purchase or condemnation.

(b) A contract under this section is not subject to Chapter 771, Government Code.

(c) In this section, "management" means administration, control, or maintenance that is required by an agency of the United States.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 922, Sec. 2, eff. June 14, 2001.

Transferred from Transportation Code, Section 203.004 and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.07, eff. June 14, 2005.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 738 (S.B. 448), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 201.618. HYDROGEN-FUELED VEHICLES AND REFUELING STATIONS. (a) The department may seek funding from public and private sources to acquire and operate hydrogen-fueled vehicles and to establish and operate hydrogen refueling stations as provided by this section.

(b) If the department secures funding under Subsection (a), the department may establish and operate at least five hydrogen refueling stations. A refueling station established under this subsection must be located in an urbanized area along a major state highway and be accessible to the public.

(c) If the department secures funding under Subsection (a), the department may purchase to operate in an area in which a refueling station is established under Subsection (b) vehicles capable of operating using hydrogen, including, at a minimum:

(1) four vehicles with internal combustion engines that run on hydrogen; and

(2) three fuel-cell vehicles, one internal combustion engine bus that runs on hydrogen, or one fuel-cell bus.

(d) A vehicle purchased to meet the requirements of Subsection (c) may be used to satisfy the alternative fuels percentage requirement under Subchapter A, Chapter 2158, Government Code.

(e) Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 259, Sec. 14(1), eff. June 17, 2011.

(f) The department shall:

(1) ensure that data on emissions from the vehicles and refueling stations purchased under this section and from the production of hydrogen for the vehicles and refueling stations are monitored and analyzed and compared with data on emissions from control vehicles with internal combustion engines that operate on fuels other than hydrogen; and

(2) report the results of the monitoring, analysis, and comparison to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

(g) The department may charge the public a reasonable fee to use a hydrogen refueling station operated under Subsection (b). The amount of the fee shall be based on the department's estimate of the number of customers that will use the refueling stations and the direct and indirect costs that will be incurred by the department to operate the refueling stations. Fees collected by the department under this section shall be deposited in the state highway fund, may be appropriated only to the department to implement this section, and are exempt from the application of Section 403.095, Government Code.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 3.03, eff. June 14, 2005.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 259 (H.B. 1201), Sec. 14(1), eff. June 17, 2011.

Sec. 201.619. COOPERATIVE PLANNING WITH COUNTIES. (a) In this section, "corridor" means a geographical band that follows a general directional flow connecting major sources of trips.

(b) The department and a county may enter into an agreement that identifies future transportation corridors within the county in accordance with this subsection. The corridors identified in the agreement must be derived from existing transportation plans adopted by the department or commission, the county, or a metropolitan planning organization.

(c) The department shall publish in the Texas Register and in a newspaper of general circulation in the county with which the department has entered into an agreement under Subsection (b) a notice that states that the department and the county have entered into the agreement and that copies of the agreement and all plans referred to by the agreement are available at one or more designated department offices.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1040 (H.B. 1857), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 201.620. COORDINATION WITH METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS TO DEVELOP LONG-TERM PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS. The department shall collaborate with metropolitan planning organizations to develop mutually acceptable assumptions for the purposes of long-range federal and state funding forecasts and use those assumptions to guide long-term planning in the statewide transportation plan under Section 201.601.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.621. MOTORCYCLIST SAFETY AND SHARE THE ROAD CAMPAIGN. From funds appropriated for that purpose, the department shall conduct a continuing public awareness campaign to promote motorcyclist safety and the concept of sharing the road with motorcyclists.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1391 (S.B. 1967), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 201.622. WILDFIRE EMERGENCY EVACUATION ROUTE. (a) Notwithstanding Section 418.018, Government Code, in a county with a population of less than 75,000 and with a verifiable history of wildfire, the department may designate an emergency evacuation route for use in the event of a wildfire emergency. The department may establish criteria to determine which areas of a county are subject to a potential wildfire emergency.

(b) The department may assist in the improvement of a designated wildfire emergency evacuation route.

(c) Criteria for determining a wildfire emergency evacuation route must provide for evacuation of commercial establishments such as motels, hotels, and other businesses with overnight accommodations.

(d) A wildfire emergency evacuation route designated under Subsection (a) may include federal or state highways or county roads.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.623. I-27 ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) In this section:

(1) "Advisory committee" means the I-27 Advisory Committee established under this section.

(2) "Feasibility study" means the study on the Ports-to-Plains Corridor conducted by the department as required by Chapter 756 (H.B. 1079), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019.

(3) "Ports-to-Plains Corridor" means the highways designated as the Ports-to-Plains Corridor under Section 225.069.

(b) The I-27 Advisory Committee is established to:

(1) provide the department with information on concerns and interests along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor; and

(2) advise the department on transportation improvements impacting the Ports-to-Plains Corridor.

(1) 10 members, one of whom represents each of the following counties and is the county judge of the county or an elected county official or the administrator of the county road department designated by the county judge of the county:

(A) Dallam County;

(B) Howard County;

(D) Midland County;

(E) Moore County;

(F) Potter County;

(G) Sherman County;

(H) Tom Green County;

(I) Val Verde County; and

(J) Webb County;

(2) seven members, one of whom represents each of the following municipalities and is the mayor of the municipality or the city manager or an assistant city manager designated by the mayor of the municipality:

(A) Amarillo;

(B) Big Spring;

(D) Laredo;

(E) Lubbock;

(F) Midland; and

(G) San Angelo;

(3) three members who are economic development professionals, to be selected based on geographic segments that were established for the feasibility study;

(4) one member who is a business representative from the agriculture industry;

(5) one member who is a business representative from the international trade industry; and

(6) one member who is a business representative from the energy industry.

(d) The members of the advisory committee described by Subsection (c)(2) shall appoint the members of the advisory committee described by Subsections (c)(3), (4), (5), and (6) by majority vote.

(e) An advisory committee member serves until the member:

(1) ceases to hold the underlying position that qualifies the member for service on the committee; or

(2) resigns.

(f) A vacancy on the advisory committee is filled:

(1) for a vacancy for a position qualified under Subsection (c)(1) or (2), by the person holding the elected position vacated by the former member or another person designated by the person holding the elected position vacated by the former member, in accordance with Subsection (c)(1) or (2), as applicable; and

(2) for a vacancy for a position described by Subsection (c)(3), (4), (5), or (6), by majority vote of the advisory committee members described by Subsection (c)(2).

(g) The advisory committee shall elect by majority vote of the committee:

(1) a chair to serve as the committee's presiding officer; and

(2) a vice-chair to serve as the committee's presiding officer in the absence of the chair.

(h) The advisory committee shall meet at least twice each state fiscal year and at such other times as requested by the department or the chair. The advisory committee may meet remotely or by teleconference as determined by the chair or the department.

(i) An advisory committee member is not entitled to receive compensation for service on the committee or reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of official duties as a member of the committee.

(j) The commission may adopt rules to govern the operations of the committee that are consistent with existing commission rules and do not conflict with this section.

(k) All advisory committee meetings, whether remote or in person, must be open to the public.

(l) Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the advisory committee.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 524 (S.B. 1474), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2021.

Sec. 201.624. MOVE OVER OR SLOW DOWN CAMPAIGN. (a) The department shall develop and implement a move over or slow down public awareness campaign designed to promote compliance with and improve public awareness of the requirements of Section 545.157 concerning the passing of certain vehicles.

(b) The department may consult and coordinate with the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles as the department considers necessary to develop or implement the campaign.

(c) In implementing the campaign, the department may engage in online advocacy, issue public service announcements, distribute materials, and post signage on roadways relating to the campaign.

(d) The department may pay the costs of the campaign and its administration from:

(1) gifts, grants, or donations;

(2) matching funds; and

(3) other funds made available for that purpose, including available department revenue.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 898 (H.B. 3319), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.

Redesignated from Transportation Code, Section 201.623 by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 768 (H.B. 4595), Sec. 24.001(37), eff. September 1, 2023.

Sec. 201.625. TRAILER ATTACHMENT CAMPAIGN. (a) In this section, "passenger car" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201.

(b) The department shall develop and implement a public awareness campaign to promote the proper attachment of a trailer to a passenger car and raise awareness regarding the potential consequences of failing to attach a trailer properly.

(c) In implementing the campaign, the department may engage in online advocacy, issue public service announcements, and distribute materials relating to the campaign.

(d) The department may pay the costs of the campaign and its administration from:

(1) gifts, grants, or donations;

(2) matching funds; and

(3) other funds made available for that purpose, including available department revenue.

Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1000 (H.B. 1198), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.

SUBCHAPTER H-1. COORDINATION OF BROADBAND INSTALLATION

Sec. 201.671. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Broadband" means a mass-market retail service by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to and receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints, including capabilities that are incidental to and enable the operation of the service. The term includes a service that is functionally equivalent to the service described by this subdivision.

(2) "Broadband conduit" means a conduit, pipe, innerduct, or microduct for fiber-optic or other cables that supports broadband and wireless facilities for broadband.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1122 (H.B. 2422), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.

Sec. 201.672. COORDINATION. (a) The department shall provide notice on the department's Internet website of ongoing and planned highway construction projects for which the department will provide voluntary joint trenching opportunities in the state's right-of-way for broadband providers. A broadband provider may collaborate with the department to deploy broadband conduit or other broadband facilities in those rights-of-way.

(b) The department shall give special consideration to broadband deployment described by Subsection (a) that is likely to improve access to broadband by rural or underserved communities.

(c) To the extent practicable, the department shall assist political subdivisions in taking advantage of voluntary joint trenching opportunities.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1122 (H.B. 2422), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.

Sec. 201.673. REPORT. Annually, the department shall submit to the legislature a report that explains the actions taken by the department in carrying out this subchapter and identifies any costs or cost savings to the state and private entities associated with voluntary joint trenching opportunities.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1122 (H.B. 2422), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.

SUBCHAPTER I. FUNDS AND EXPENDITURES

Sec. 201.701. FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES. (a) If the department receives state or federal highway safety funds that may be used for emergency medical services, the department shall:

(1) contract with the Texas Department of Health for the administration of the funds by the department of health; and

(2) designate a part of the funds to be used for improvement of emergency medical services.

(b) If an agency of the federal government formally notifies the department that a contract described by Subsection (a) violates federal law or would cause the loss of any federal highway safety funds, the department may not execute the contract or, if the contract has been executed, the contract is void.

(c) This section does not affect any responsibility of the department for oversight of state or federal highway safety funds.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.702. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PROGRAM. (a) The department shall:

(1) set annual goals for the awarding of state or federally funded contracts, including construction, maintenance, supply, and service contracts, to disadvantaged businesses and shall attempt to meet the goals;

(2) assess the availability of disadvantaged businesses in this state;

(3) attempt to identify disadvantaged businesses in this state that provide or have the potential to provide supplies, materials, equipment, or services to the department;

(4) give disadvantaged businesses full access to the department's contract bidding process, inform the businesses about the process, offer the businesses assistance concerning the process, and identify barriers to the businesses' participation in the process; and

(5) allocate the responsibility for performing the duties prescribed by this section among persons in the department's headquarters and regional offices.

(b) The goals under Subsection (a)(1) must approximate the federal requirement for federal money used for highway construction and maintenance consistent with other applicable state and federal law.

(c) The department's equal opportunity office shall participate in the development of requests for proposals and other departmental documents relating to the bidding process.

(d) This section does not exempt the department from competitive bidding requirements provided by other law.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.703. EXPENDITURES FOR ROADS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY SYSTEM. (a) The department in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration may spend for the improvement of a road not in the state highway system money appropriated by the United States Congress and allocated by the United States secretary of transportation to the department for expenditure on the road. That federal money may be matched or supplemented by an amount of state money necessary for proper construction and performance of the work.

(b) State money may not be used exclusively for the construction of a road not in the state highway system.

(c) The expenditure of state money is limited to the cost of construction and engineering, overhead, and other costs on which the application of federal money is prohibited or impractical.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.704. CONTRACT FOR REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall contract with a private entity for the repair or maintenance of highway equipment and passenger cars used by the department if the department determines that the private entity can:

(1) provide maintenance and repair services that are of sufficient quality and in sufficient quantity; and

(2) perform those services for a charge that is less than 90 percent of the total cost for the department to provide equivalent services.

(b) During a fiscal year the department shall spend for all contracts under this section not less than 35 percent of the total amount it spends for vehicle repair and maintenance in that year.

(c) In determining the total cost of providing maintenance and repair services for the purpose of Subsection (a)(2), the department shall consider direct and indirect costs of providing those services.

(d) In this section:

(1) "Highway equipment" means machinery or equipment, other than a passenger car, that is used by the department for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or repair of a road or highway.

(2) "Passenger car" has the meaning assigned that term by Section 502.001.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 600, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 201.705. AESTHETIC ENTRANCES AND ORNAMENTAL DECORATIONS. The department may enter into agreements with local governments, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, or other governmental or nongovernmental entities for the purpose of purchasing supplies and materials to be used for aesthetic entrances to municipalities or census designated places along interstate highways or highway corridors or ornamental decorations along overpasses, provided that the department may not expend appropriated funds solely to plan, design, or construct aesthetic entrances to municipalities or census designated places along interstate highways or highway corridors or ornamental decorations along overpasses.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.706. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. From appropriated funds, the department shall assist counties with materials to repair and maintain county roads. The department shall:

(1) provide that the total annual value of assistance under this section is:

(A) at least $12 million per year for fiscal years 1998 and 1999; and

(B) at least $6 million per year for a fiscal year other than 1998 or 1999;

(2) make maximum usage of surplus materials on hand;

(3) develop rules and procedures to implement this section and to provide for the distribution of the assistance with preference given to counties with an above average number of overweight trucks receiving weight tolerance permits based on the previous year's permit totals; and

(4) undertake cooperative and joint procurement of road materials with counties under procedures of the comptroller.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.41, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937 (H.B. 3560), Sec. 1.110, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 201.707. AGREEMENTS FOR SERVICES ON REGIONAL TOLLWAY AUTHORITY PROJECTS. Notwithstanding Section 201.703(c), the department and a regional tollway authority governed by Chapter 366 may enter into an agreement for the provision by the department, for fair and reasonable compensation, of services on the regional tollway authority's turnpike projects, including but not limited to courtesy patrols.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 576, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 201.710. PLANNING AND FUNDING OF PORTS OF ENTRY. (a) In this section:

(1) "Port of entry" means a place designated by executive order of the president of the United States, by order of the United States secretary of the treasury, or by Act of the United States Congress at which a customs officer is authorized to accept entries of merchandise to collect duties, and to enforce the various provisions of the customs and navigation laws.

(2) "Project related to a port of entry" means a transportation project on the state highway system related to access to a port of entry in this state.

(b) This section applies only to a port of entry on the border with the United Mexican States. This section does not apply to a port of entry at an airport.

(c) The department shall include projects related to ports of entry in its unified transportation program or any successor to that program.

(d) A metropolitan planning organization that has a port of entry within its jurisdiction shall include projects related to ports of entry in its transportation improvement plan.

(e) In allocating money to projects, the department shall fund projects related to ports of entry from money other than North American Free Trade Agreement discretionary funds.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1226, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Sec. 201.711. PURCHASE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES OR DISASTERS. The department, using appropriated funds, may purchase food and beverages for a department employee who is:

(1) providing services in response to an emergency situation, an incident that endangers the health or safety of a person, or a disaster; and

(2) unable to leave or required to remain at the employee's assignment area due to the emergency situation, incident, or disaster.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 537), Sec. 1, eff. May 1, 2019.

Sec. 201.712. PURCHASE OF CYBERSECURITY INSURANCE. (a) In this section, "cyber attack" means an attempt to gain illegal access to a computer or computer system for the purpose of causing damage, harm, or disruption.

(b) The department may purchase insurance coverage that the department considers necessary to protect against liability, revenue, and property losses that may result from a data breach or cyber attack.

(c) Insurance purchased under this section may include coverage for business and dependent business interruption loss, breach response, data recovery, cyber extortion or ransomware response, fiduciary liability, media liability, professional liability, or expenses for general incident management, such as investigation, remediation, and notification.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 129 (H.B. 3390), Sec. 1, eff. May 24, 2021.

SUBCHAPTER I-1. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS

Sec. 201.751. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Day" means a calendar day.

(2) "Federal Highway Administration" means the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

(3) "Highway project" means a highway or related improvement that is:

(A) part of the state highway system; or

(B) not part of the state highway system but funded wholly or partly by federal money.

(4) "Local government sponsor" means a political subdivision of the state that:

(A) elects to participate in the planning, development, design, funding, or financing of a highway project; and

(B) is a municipality or a county, a group of adjoining counties, a county acting under Chapter 284, a regional tollway authority operating under Chapter 366, a regional mobility authority operating under Chapter 370, a local government corporation, or a transportation corporation created under Chapter 431.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.752. STANDARDS. (a) The commission by rule shall establish standards for processing an environmental review document for a highway project. The standards must increase efficiency, minimize delays, and encourage collaboration and cooperation by the department with a local government sponsor, with a goal of prompt approval of legally sufficient documents.

(b) The standards apply regardless of whether the environmental review document is prepared by the department or a local government sponsor. The standards apply to work performed by the sponsor and to the department's review process and environmental decision.

(1) the issues and subject matter to be included in the project scope prepared under Section 201.754;

(2) the required content of a draft environmental review document;

(3) the process to be followed in considering each type of environmental review document; and

(4) review deadlines, including the deadlines in Section 201.759.

(d) The standards must include a process for resolving disputes arising under this subchapter, provided that the dispute resolution process must be concluded not later than the 60th day after the date either party requests dispute resolution.

(e) For highway projects described in Section 201.753(a), the standards may provide a process and criteria for the prioritization of environmental review documents in the event the department makes a finding that it lacks adequate resources to timely process all documents it receives. Standards established pursuant to this subsection must provide for notification to a local government sponsor if processing of an environmental review document is to be delayed due to prioritization, and must ensure that the environmental review document for each highway project will be completed no later than one year prior to the date planned for publishing notice to let the construction contract for the project, as indicated in a document identifying the project under Section 201.753(a)(1) or a commission order under Section 201.753(a)(2).

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.753. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW LIMITED TO CERTAIN PROJECTS. (a) A local government sponsor or the department may prepare an environmental review document for a highway project only if the highway project is:

(1) identified in the financially constrained portion of the approved state transportation improvement program or the financially constrained portion of the approved unified transportation program; or

(2) identified by the commission as being eligible for participation under this subchapter.

(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a local government sponsor may prepare an environmental review document for a highway project that is not identified by the commission or in a program described by Subsection (a) if the sponsor submits with its notice under Section 201.755 a fee in an amount established by commission rule, but not to exceed the actual cost of reviewing the environmental review document.

(c) A fee received by the department under Subsection (b) must be deposited in the state highway fund and used to pay costs incurred under this subchapter.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.754. SCOPE OF PROJECT. If an environmental review document is prepared by a local government sponsor, the local government sponsor must prepare a detailed scope of the project in collaboration with the department before the department may process the environmental review document.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.755. NOTICE TO DEPARTMENT. (a) A local government sponsor may submit notice to the department proposing that the local government sponsor prepare the environmental review document for a highway project.

(b) The notice must include:

(1) the project scope prepared under Section 201.754; and

(2) a request for classification of the project.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.756. LOCAL GOVERNMENT SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES. A local government sponsor that submits notice under Section 201.755 is responsible for preparing all materials for:

(1) project scope determination;

(2) environmental reports;

(3) the environmental review document;

(4) environmental permits and conditions;

(5) coordination with resource agencies; and

(6) public participation.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.757. DETERMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW DOCUMENT. (a) A local government sponsor's submission of an environmental review document must include a statement from the local government sponsor that the document is administratively complete, ready for technical review, and compliant with all applicable requirements.

(b) Not later than the 20th day after the date the department receives a local government sponsor's environmental review document, the department shall either:

(1) issue a letter confirming that the document is administratively complete and ready for technical review; or

(2) decline to issue a letter confirming that the document is administratively complete and ready for technical review, in accordance with Section 201.758.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.758. DEPARTMENT DECLINES TO CONFIRM THAT DOCUMENT IS ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE. (a) The department may decline to issue a letter confirming that an environmental review document is administratively complete and ready for technical review only if the department sends a written response to the local government sponsor specifying in reasonable detail the basis for its conclusions, including a listing of any required information determined by the department to be missing from the document.

(b) If the department provides notice under Subsection (a), the department shall undertake all reasonable efforts to cooperate with the local government sponsor in a timely manner to ensure that the environmental review document is administratively complete.

(c) The local government sponsor may resubmit any environmental review document determined by the department under Section 201.757 not to be administratively complete, and the department shall issue a determination letter on the resubmitted document not later than the 20th day after the date the document is resubmitted.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.759. REVIEW DEADLINES. (a) The following deadlines must be included in the standards adopted under Section 201.752:

(1) the department shall issue a classification letter not later than the 30th day after the date the department receives notice from a local government sponsor under Section 201.755;

(2) for a project classified as a programmatic categorical exclusion, the environmental decision must be rendered not later than the 60th day after the date the supporting documentation is received by the department;

(3) for a project classified as a categorical exclusion, the environmental decision must be rendered not later than the 90th day after the date the supporting documentation is received by the department;

(4) for a project that requires the preparation of an environmental assessment:

(A) the department must provide all department comments on a draft environmental assessment not later than the 90th day after the date the draft is received by the department; and

(B) the department must render the environmental decision on the project not later than the 60th day after the later of:

(i) the date the revised environmental assessment is submitted to the department; or

(ii) the date the public involvement process concludes;

(5) the department must render the environmental decision on any reevaluation not later than the 120th day after the date the supporting documentation is received by the department; and

(6) for a project that requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement, the department shall render the environmental decision not later than the 120th day after the date the draft final environmental impact statement is submitted.

(b) Review deadlines under this section specify the date by which the department will render the environmental decision on a project or the time frames by which the department will make a recommendation to the Federal Highway Administration, as applicable.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.760. SUSPENSION OF TIME PERIODS. The computation of review deadlines under Section 201.759 does not begin until an environmental review document is determined to be administratively complete, and is suspended during any period in which:

(1) the document that is the subject of the review is being revised by or on behalf of the local government sponsor in response to department comments;

(2) the highway project is the subject of additional work, including a change in design of the project, and during the identification and resolution of new significant issues; or

(3) the local government sponsor is preparing a response to any issue raised by legal counsel for the department concerning compliance with applicable law.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.761. AGREEMENT BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT SPONSOR AND DEPARTMENT. Notwithstanding any provision of this subchapter or any other law, a local government sponsor and the department may enter into an agreement that defines the relative roles and responsibilities of the parties in the preparation and review of environmental review documents for a specific project. For a project for which an environmental decision requires the approval of the Federal Highway Administration and to the extent otherwise permitted by law, the Federal Highway Administration may also be a party to an agreement between a local government sponsor and the department under this section.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.762. REPORTS TO COMMISSION AND LEGISLATURE. (a) Not later than June 30 and December 31 of each year, the department shall submit a report to the commission at a regularly scheduled commission meeting identifying projects being processed under the procedures of this subchapter and the status of each project, including:

(1) how the project was classified for environmental review;

(2) the current status of the environmental review;

(3) the date on which the department is required to make an environmental decision under applicable deadlines;

(4) an explanation of any delays; and

(5) any deadline under Section 201.759 missed by the department.

(b) Not later than December 1 of each year, the department shall submit a report to the members of the standing legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over matters related to transportation regarding the implementation of this subchapter, including a status report for the preceding 12-month period that contains the information described in Subsection (a).

(c) The department shall post copies of the reports required under this section on its Internet website and shall provide a copy of the report required by Subsection (b) to each member of the legislature who has at least one project covered by the report in the member's district.

(d) The department shall make available on its Internet website and update regularly the status of projects being processed under this subchapter.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 630), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (S.B. 548), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 21(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

SUBCHAPTER J. INFORMATION FURNISHED BY DEPARTMENT

Sec. 201.801. COMPLAINTS. (a) The department shall maintain a system to promptly and efficiently act on complaints filed with the department. The department shall maintain information about the parties to and the subject matter of a complaint and a summary of the results of the review or investigation of the complaint and the disposition of the complaint.

(b) The department shall make information available describing its procedures for complaint investigation and resolution.

(c) The department shall periodically notify the parties to the complaint of its status until final disposition unless the notice would jeopardize an undercover investigation.

(d) The commission shall adopt rules applicable to each division and district to establish a process to act on complaints filed with the department.

(e) The department shall develop a standard form for submitting a complaint and make the form available on its Internet website. The department shall establish a method to submit complaints electronically.

(f) The department shall develop a method for analyzing the sources and types of complaints and violations and establish categories for the complaints and violations. The department shall use the analysis to focus its information and education efforts on specific problem areas identified through the analysis.

(g) The department shall:

(1) compile:

(A) detailed statistics and analyze trends on complaint information, including:

(i) the nature of the complaints;

(ii) their disposition; and

(iii) the length of time to resolve complaints;

(B) complaint information on a district and a divisional basis; and

(2) report the information on a monthly basis to the division directors, office directors, and district engineers and on a quarterly basis to the commission.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.12, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 22(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.802. PUBLIC ACCESS TO COMMISSION AND TO DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS. (a) The commission shall develop and implement policies that provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the commission and speak on any issue under the jurisdiction of the department.

(b) The director shall prepare and maintain a written plan that describes the manner in which a person who does not speak English or who has a physical, mental, or developmental disability is provided reasonable access to the department's programs.

(c) The department shall comply with each applicable law of the United States or this state that relates to program or facility accessibility.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.13, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.803. INFORMATION FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE. (a) The department shall collect information and compile statistics about the mileage, character, and condition of public roads in each county and the cost of construction of the classes of roads in the county.

(b) The department shall investigate and determine the methods of road construction best adapted to different sections of the state.

(c) The department shall establish standards for the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, and ferries, considering natural conditions and the character and adaptability of road building material in the counties of the state.

(d) The department may be consulted, at all reasonable times, by county and municipal officials for any information or assistance the department can give concerning the highways in the county or municipality. The department shall provide the requested information.

(e) The department may request from county and municipal officials any information necessary for the performance of the department's duties under this section.

(f) Before any proceeds from the sale of bonds or other legal obligations issued by a county or a subdivision or defined district of a county are spent for road construction by the commissioners court of the county or under its direction, the commissioners court shall obtain from the department information and advice on the general plans and specifications for the road construction to be undertaken. On request of a county commissioners court, the department shall consider and advise the commissioners court on those plans and specifications.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.8035. INSPECTION OF COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL BRIDGES. (a) If the department inspects a bridge under the jurisdiction of a county or a municipality and determines that the bridge qualifies for a lower load rating under 23 C.F.R. Part 650, Subpart C, than is currently permitted, the department shall notify the commissioners court of the county or the governing body of the municipality.

(b) A commissioners court or governing body that is notified under Subsection (a) shall post notices on the road or highway approaching the bridge that state the maximum load permitted on the bridge. The notices must be posted at locations that enable affected drivers to detour to avoid the restricted bridge.

(c) The department may post a notice required under Subsection (b) for a bridge under the jurisdiction of a county or a municipality if the department is required or authorized under federal law to post the notice. The notice must be posted in accordance with federal law.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.09(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1023), Sec. 1, eff. May 19, 2023.

Sec. 201.804. SUBMISSION OF BRIDGE DESIGN PLANS TO DEPARTMENT. (a) This section applies to any governmental entity of this state that is authorized by law to construct or maintain a public road and that:

(1) constructs or rehabilitates a bridge;

(2) proposes to assume responsibility for a bridge constructed or rehabilitated by another person; or

(3) issues a permit for the construction or rehabilitation of a bridge by another person.

(b) Before the 31st day after the date the construction or rehabilitation of the bridge is completed, the governmental entity shall submit to the department a copy of the final structural design plans for the bridge.

(c) The department shall use information submitted under Subsection (b) as necessary in seeking to comply with 23 C.F.R. Part 650, Subpart C.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 831, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Sec. 201.805. REPORTS AND INFORMATION. (a) The department shall annually publish in appropriate media and on the department's Internet website in a format that allows the information to be read into a commercially available electronic database a statistical comparison of department districts and the following information, calculated on a per capita basis considering the most recent census data and listed for each county and for the state for each fiscal year:

(1) the number of square miles;

(2) the number of vehicles registered;

(3) the population;

(4) daily vehicle miles;

(5) the number of centerline miles and lane miles;

(6) construction, maintenance, and contracted routine and preventive maintenance expenditures;

(7) combined construction, maintenance, and contracted routine and preventive maintenance expenditures;

(8) the number of district and division office construction and maintenance employees;

(9) information regarding grant programs, including:

(A) Routine Airport Maintenance Program grants;

(B) Public Transportation Grant Program grants;

(D) aviation grants or aviation capital improvement grants;

(10) approved State Infrastructure Bank loans;

(11) Texas Traffic Safety Program grants and expenditures;

(12) the dollar amount of any pass-through toll agreements;

(13) the percentage of highway construction projects completed on time;

(14) the percentage of highway construction projects that cost:

(A) more than the contract amount; and

(B) less than the contract amount; and

(15) a description of real property acquired by the department through the exercise of eminent domain, including the acreage of the property and the location of the property.

(b) The department shall include information from all department contracts in the statistical comparison and information reports required under Subsection (a).

(c) The department shall annually publish in appropriate media and on the department's Internet website in a format that allows the information to be read into a commercially available electronic database the following information for each fiscal year:

(1) the amount of money in the Texas Mobility Fund itemized by the source of the money; and

(2) the amount of money received by the department:

(A) itemized by the source of the money; and

(B) compared to the amount of money appropriated by the legislature to the department in the General Appropriations Act.

(d) The department shall annually publish in appropriate media and on the department's Internet website in a format that allows the information to be read into a commercially available electronic database a list of each contract the department has with:

(1) a person required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code;

(2) a public relations firm; or

(3) a government consultant.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 494 (S.B. 255), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Amended by:

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 5.26, eff. September 1, 2019.

Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 276 (H.B. 3514), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2021.

Sec. 201.806. COLLISION REPORTS. (a) The department shall:

(1) tabulate and analyze the vehicle collision reports it receives; and

(2) annually or more frequently publish on the department's Internet website statistical information derived from the collision reports as to the number, cause, and location of highway collisions, including information regarding the number of:

(A) collisions involving injury to, death of, or property damage to a bicyclist or pedestrian;

(B) fatalities caused by a bridge collapse, as defined by Section 550.081; and

(b) The department shall provide electronic access to the system containing the collision reports so that the Department of Public Safety can perform its duties, including the duty to make timely entries on driver records.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1407 (S.B. 766), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Renumbered from Transportation Code, Section 201.805 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(90), eff. September 1, 2009.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 522 (S.B. 1218), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 91, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2017.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2023.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1001 (H.B. 1199), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.

Sec. 201.807. PROJECT INFORMATION REPORTING SYSTEM. (a) In this section, "department project" means a highway project under the jurisdiction of the department, including a grouped rehabilitation and preventive maintenance project, that:

(1) is being developed or is under construction; and

(2) is identified in the district project portfolio required under Section 201.998.

(b) The department shall establish a project information reporting system that makes available in a central location on the department's Internet website easily accessible and searchable information regarding all of the department's transportation plans and programs, including the unified transportation program required by Section 201.991. The department shall post information on its Internet website as required by this subsection as the information becomes available to the department and in a manner that is not cost prohibitive. The project information reporting system shall contain information about:

(1) each department project, including:

(A) the status of the project;

(B) each source of funding for the project;

(D) timelines for completing the project;

(E) a list of the department employees responsible for the project, including information to contact each person on that list; and

(F) the results of the annual review required under Subsection (e); and

(2) the department's funds, including each source for the department's funds, and the amount and general type or purpose of each expenditure as described in the comptroller's statewide accounting system, reported by each:

(A) department district;

(B) program funding category as required by Section 201.991(b)(2); and

(1) the legislature;

(2) local transportation entities; and

(3) members of the public.

(d) The department shall make the statistical information provided under this section available on the department's Internet website in more than one downloadable electronic format.

(e) As a component of the project information reporting system required by this section, the department shall conduct an annual review of the benchmarks and timelines of each project included in the department's transportation plans, including the unified transportation program, to determine the completion rates of the projects and whether the projects were completed on time.

(f) The department shall update the information contained in the project information reporting system on a regular basis, as specified by commission rule.

(g) The department shall:

(1) conduct a comprehensive review of the project information reporting system;

(2) in conducting the review required by Subdivision (1), incorporate feedback from internal and external users of the system and advice from the department office responsible for public involvement; and

(3) develop a plan for implementing any needed improvements to the system.

(h) The department shall conduct the review required by Subsection (g)(1) on a regular basis, as specified by commission rule.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 24(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.8075. STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN DASHBOARD. (a) In this section, "dashboard" means a web-based data visualization tool that provides an analysis and visual representation of key performance measures relevant to a particular objective.

(b) The department shall develop and prominently display on the department's Internet website a dashboard that clearly communicates to the public:

(1) the transportation system strategies, goals and measurable targets, and other related performance measures established under Section 201.601(a-1)(1); and

(2) the department's progress, including trends over time, in meeting the strategies, goals and targets, and other related performance measures described by Subdivision (1).

(d) The department shall:

(1) regularly update the information displayed on the dashboard; and

(2) publish on the department's Internet website the methodology and data used to determine the department's progress under Subsection (b)(2).

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.808. TRANSPORTATION EXPENDITURE PRIORITIES. (a) The department shall develop a process to identify and distinguish between the transportation projects that are required to maintain the state infrastructure and the transportation projects that would improve the state infrastructure in a manner consistent with the statewide transportation plan required by Section 201.601.

(b) The department shall establish a transportation expenditure reporting system that makes available in a central location on the department's Internet website easily accessible and searchable information regarding the priorities of transportation expenditures for the identified transportation projects.

(1) reports prepared by the department or an institution of higher education that evaluate the effectiveness of the department's expenditures on transportation projects to achieve the transportation goal;

(2) information about the condition of the pavement for each highway under the jurisdiction of the department, including the percentage of pavement that the department determines to be in good or better condition;

(3) the condition of bridges, including information about bridge condition scores;

(4) information about peak-hour travel congestion in the eight largest metropolitan areas of the state; and

(5) information about the number of traffic fatalities per 100 million miles traveled.

(d) The department shall provide the information made available under Subsection (c) in a format that allows a person to conduct electronic searches for information regarding a specific county, highway under the jurisdiction of the department, or type of road.

(e) The department shall establish criteria to prioritize the transportation needs for the state that are consistent with the statewide transportation plan.

(f) Each department district shall enter information into the transportation expenditure reporting system, including information about:

(1) each district transportation project; and

(2) the category to which the project has been assigned and the priority of the project in the category under Section 201.995.

(g) The transportation expenditure reporting system shall allow a person to compare information produced by that system to information produced by the project information reporting system.

(h) To provide a means of verifying the accuracy of information being made available through the transportation expenditure reporting system, the department shall retain and archive appropriate documentation supporting the expenditure information or data summary that is detailed in the reporting system, by archiving copies of the original supporting documentation in a digital, electronic, or other appropriate format of storage or imaging that allows departmental management and retrieval of the records. Supporting documentation may include contract or transactional documents, letter agreements, invoices, statements, payment vouchers, requests for object of expenditure payments to be made by or on behalf of the department, and other items establishing the purpose and payment of the expenditure. The documentation shall be retained for the applicable period as set forth in rules for records retention and destruction promulgated by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

(i) The department shall:

(1) conduct a comprehensive analysis regarding the effect of funding allocations made to funding categories described by Section 201.991(b) and project selection decisions on accomplishing the goals described in the statewide transportation plan under Section 201.601;

(2) provide the analysis to metropolitan planning organizations, the public, and each member of the commission for the purpose of informing deliberations on funding decisions for the unified transportation program under Section 201.991;

(3) update the analysis as part of:

(A) the department's annual update to the unified transportation program under Section 201.992 and any other formal update to that program; and

(B) the evaluation and report required by Section 201.809;

(4) promptly publish the analysis on the department's Internet website in its entirety and in summary form; and

(5) publish the methodology and data used to create the analysis on the department's Internet website and make the methodology and data available to the metropolitan planning organizations, the public, and the commission under Subdivision (2).

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 24(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.809. STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION REPORT. (a) The department annually shall evaluate and publish a report about the status of each transportation goal for this state. The department shall also promptly publish the report on the department's Internet website in summary form. The report must include:

(1) information about the progress of each long-term transportation goal that is identified by the statewide transportation plan;

(2) the status of each project identified as a major priority;

(3) a summary of the number of statewide project implementation benchmarks that have been completed;

(4) information about the accuracy of previous department financial forecasts; and

(5) the analysis required by Section 201.808(i).

(b) The department shall disaggregate the information in the report by department district.

(c) The department shall provide a copy of the district report to each member of the legislature for each department district located in the member's legislative district, and at the request of a member, a department employee shall meet with the member to explain the report.

(d) The department shall provide a copy of each district report to the political subdivisions located in the department district that is the subject of the report, including:

(1) a municipality;

(2) a county; and

(3) a local transportation entity.

(e) The commission by rule shall develop and implement a performance-based planning and programming process dedicated to providing the executive and legislative branches of government with indicators that quantify and qualify progress toward attaining all department goals and objectives established by the legislature and the commission.

(f) The commission by rule shall develop and implement performance metrics and performance measures as part of:

(1) the review of strategic planning in the statewide transportation plan, rural transportation plans, and unified transportation program;

(2) the evaluation of decision-making on projects selected for funding in the unified transportation program and statewide transportation improvement program; and

(3) the evaluation of project delivery for projects in the department's letting schedule.

(g) The commission by rule shall adopt and shall periodically review performance metrics and measures to:

(1) assess how well the transportation system is performing and operating in accordance with the requirements of 23 U.S.C. Section 134 or 135, as applicable;

(2) provide the department, legislature, stakeholders, and public with information to support decisions in a manner that is accessible and understandable to the public;

(3) assess the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation projects and service;

(4) demonstrate transparency and accountability; and

(5) address other issues the commission considers necessary.

(h) The requirement for the commission to develop and implement a performance-based planning and programming process does not replace or alter the requirement of the commission or department to comply with the budgetary performance measures for each biennium as established in the General Appropriations Act. The commission may not rely on the satisfaction of the requirement to report budgetary performance measures as satisfying the requirements imposed under this section.

(i) The commission shall develop and implement periodic reporting schedules for all performance metrics and measures required under this section.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 24(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 314 (H.B. 20), Sec. 1, eff. June 3, 2015.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.810. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION CONSOLIDATION. (a) To the extent practicable and to avoid duplication of reporting requirements, the department may combine the reports required under this subchapter with reports required under other provisions of this code.

(b) The department shall develop a central location on the department's Internet website that provides easily accessible and searchable information to the public contained in the reports required under this subchapter and other provisions of this code.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 24(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.811. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT POLICY. (a) The department shall develop and implement a policy for public involvement that guides and encourages public involvement with the department. The policy must:

(1) provide for the use of public involvement techniques that target different groups and individuals;

(2) encourage continuous contact between the department and persons outside the department throughout the transportation decision-making process;

(3) require the department to make efforts toward:

(A) clearly tying public involvement to decisions made by the department; and

(B) providing clear information to the public about specific outcomes of public input;

(4) apply to all public input with the department, including input:

(A) on statewide transportation policy-making;

(B) in connection with the environmental process relating to specific projects; and

(5) require a person who makes or submits a public comment, at the time the comment is made or disclosed, to disclose in writing on a witness card whether the person:

(A) does business with the department;

(B) may benefit monetarily from a project; or

(b) The department shall document the number of positive, negative, or neutral public comments received regarding all environmental impact statements as expressed by the public through the department's public involvement process. The department shall:

(1) present this information to the commission in an open meeting; and

(2) report this information on the department's Internet website in a timely manner.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 24(a), eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.812. REPORT ON COMPLETED HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. (a) The department shall semiannually publish on the department's Internet website a report on all highway construction projects, listed by department district, that have been completed.

(b) The report required by Subsection (a) must, for each project listed in the report:

(1) specify whether the project was completed:

(A) on schedule, ahead of schedule, or behind schedule; and

(B) on budget, under budget, or over budget; and

(2) include any change orders.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2017.

SUBCHAPTER K. ROAD AND HIGHWAY USE; SIGNS

Sec. 201.901. PROHIBITING USE OF HIGHWAY OR ROAD. (a) The commission may prohibit the use of any part of a highway or road under the control of the department by any vehicle that will unduly damage the highway or road when:

(1) because of wet weather or recent construction or repairs, the highway or road cannot be safely used without probable serious damage to it; or

(2) a bridge or culvert on the highway or road is unsafe.

(b) Before prohibiting the use of a highway or road under this section, the commission shall post notices that state the maximum load permitted and the time the use of the highway or road is prohibited. The notices must be posted at locations that enable drivers to detour to avoid the restricted highway or road.

(d) If the owner or operator of a vehicle that is prohibited from using a highway or road under this section is aggrieved by the prohibition, the person may file with the county judge of the county in which the restricted highway or road is located a written complaint that sets forth the nature of the grievance. On the filing of the complaint the county judge immediately shall set the issue for a hearing to be held not later than the third day after the date on which the complaint is filed. The county judge shall give to the commission written notice of the day and purpose of each hearing.

(e) The county judge shall hear testimony offered by the parties. On conclusion of the hearing, the county judge shall sustain, revoke, or modify the commission's decision on the restriction. The county judge's judgment is final as to the issues raised.

(f) A person who violates a prohibition established under this section before or after it is approved by the county judge under Subsection (e) commits an offense. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.902. ROAD USE BY BICYCLISTS. (a) The department shall designate:

(1) a statewide bicycle coordinator; and

(2) a bicycle coordinator in each regional office.

(b) A bicycle coordinator shall assist the department in developing rules and plans to enhance the use of the state highway system by bicyclists.

(c) The commission shall adopt rules relating to use of roads in the state highway system by bicyclists, including provisions for:

(1) the specific duties of the statewide bicycle coordinator and the regional bicycle coordinators;

(2) obtaining comments from bicyclists on:

(A) a highway project that might affect bicycle use;

(B) the use of a highway for bicycling events; and

(3) the consideration of acceptable national bicycle design, construction, and maintenance standards on a project in an area with significant bicycle use; and

(4) any other matter the commission determines necessary to enhance the use of the state highway system by bicyclists.

(d) A rule adopted under this section may not be inconsistent with Chapter 551.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.9025. TEXAS BICYCLE TOURISM TRAILS. (a) The Texas Department of Transportation Bicycle Advisory Committee shall advise and make recommendations to the commission on the development of bicycle tourism trails in this state. Recommendations on bicycle tourism trails developed under this section:

(1) shall be made in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Commission and the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office;

(2) shall reflect the geography, scenery, history, and cultural diversity of this state;

(3) shall maximize federal and private sources of funding for the designation, construction, improvement, maintenance, and signage of the trails and the promotion of bicycle tourism; and

(4) may include multiuse trails to accommodate equestrians, pedestrians, and other nonmotorized trail users when practicable.

(b) The department may contract with a statewide bicycle nonprofit organization for assistance in identifying, developing, promoting, or coordinating agreements and participation among political subdivisions of this state to advance bicycle tourism trails.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 161 (S.B. 602), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 201.903. CLASSIFICATION, DESIGNATION, AND MARKING OF HIGHWAYS. (a) The department may classify, designate, and mark state highways in this state.

(b) The department may provide a uniform system of marking and signing state highways under the control of the state. The system must correlate with and, to the extent possible, conform to the system adopted in other states.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.904. SPEED SIGNS. The department shall erect and maintain on the highways and roads of this state appropriate signs that show the maximum lawful speed for commercial motor vehicles, truck tractors, truck trailers, truck semitrailers, and motor vehicles engaged in the business of transporting passengers for compensation or hire (buses).

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 201.905. TRAFFIC SAFETY SIGNS. (a) The department may implement a traffic safety program that includes posting signs along the roadside at the 500 sites with the highest number of traffic fatalities. The signs shall be designed by the department and may contain the following information:

(1) the number of fatalities that occurred at that location in the last 10 years;

(2) the importance of driving safely and wearing seat belts;

(3) the importance of not drinking and driving; and

(4) any other information the department determines is necessary to promote safe driving.

(b) A program under this section may also include literature distributed to the public by the department.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1214, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.906. MULTIMODAL ROAD USE. (a) The department shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of the multimodal use of roads and highways in the state highway system. The analysis shall include the collection of data on users' concerns about road conditions and actual and potential use patterns of roads or highways.

(b) After the analysis required by Subsection (a) is completed, the department shall initiate and coordinate a campaign to help increase public awareness of traffic safety issues.

(c) The department shall initiate a program of continuing community involvement sessions to help other state agencies, local decision-makers, interest groups, and the general public improve the state's comprehensive transportation system to include all modes of transportation.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.14, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.14, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Sec. 201.905 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(94), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 201.907. CONTRACT FOR ENFORCEMENT. The department or a public or private entity contracted to operate a toll project may contract with an agency of this state or a local governmental entity for the services of peace officers employed by the agency or entity to enforce laws related to:

(1) the regulation and control of vehicular traffic on a state highway; and

(2) the payment of the proper toll on a toll project.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.09, eff. June 14, 2005.

Sec. 201.908. REMOVING OR COVERING SIGNS IN CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE WORK ZONE. (a) In this section, "construction or maintenance work zone" has the meaning assigned by Section 472.022.

(b) The department shall remove or cover or require the removal or covering of a sign that restricts the speed limit in a construction or maintenance work zone during any period when no hazard exists that dictates the need for a restricted speed limit.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1086 (H.B. 1925), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.

Renumbered from Transportation Code, Section 201.907 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(91), eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 201.909. MEMORIAL SIGN PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "victim" means a person killed in a highway collision involving alcohol or a controlled substance, excluding an operator who was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

(b) The commission by rule shall establish and administer a memorial sign program to publicly memorialize the victims of alcohol or controlled substance-related vehicle collisions.

(1) the phrase "Please Don't Drink and Drive";

(2) the phrase "In Memory Of" and the name of one or more victims in accordance with the commission rule; and

(3) the date of the collision that resulted in the victim's death.

(c-1) The sign may include the names of more than one victim so long as the total length of the names does not exceed one line of text.

(d) A person may request that a sign be posted under this section by:

(1) making an application to the department on a form prescribed by the department; and

(2) submitting a fee to the department in an amount determined by the department to help defray the costs of posting the memorial sign.

(e) If the application meets the department's requirements and the applicant pays the memorial sign fee, the department shall erect a sign. A sign posted under this section may remain posted for two years. At the end of the two-year period the department may release the sign to the applicant. The department is not required to release a sign that has been damaged.

(f) A sign posted under this section that is damaged shall be removed by the department. Except as provided in Subsection (g), the department may post a new sign if it has been less than two years from the posting of the original sign and a person:

(1) submits a written request to the department to replace the sign; and

(2) submits a replacement fee in the amount provided under Subsection (d)(2).

(g) During the two-year posting period the department shall replace a sign posted under this section that is damaged because of the department's negligence.

(h) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this section.

(i) This section does not authorize the department to remove an existing privately funded memorial that conforms to state law and department rules. A privately funded memorial may remain indefinitely as long as it conforms to state law and department rules.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 907 (H.B. 2859), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 744 (S.B. 521), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 971 (H.B. 1486), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2023.

Sec. 201.910. MEMORIAL MARKERS FOR CERTAIN PEACE OFFICERS KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY. (a) The commission by rule shall authorize memorial markers honoring peace officers killed in the line of duty who are not Department of Public Safety troopers. The program established under this section shall be identical to the commission's existing program for memorial markers for honoring Department of Public Safety troopers.

Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025

(b) As used in this section, "peace officer" means a person who was:

(1) a law enforcement officer or peace officer for this state or a political subdivision of this state under Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; or

(2) a federal law enforcement officer or special agent performing duties in this state, including those officers under Article 2.122, Code of Criminal Procedure.

Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025

(b) As used in this section, "peace officer" means a person who was:

(1) a law enforcement officer or peace officer for this state or a political subdivision of this state under Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; or

(2) a federal law enforcement officer or special agent performing duties in this state, including those officers under Article 2A.002, Code of Criminal Procedure.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 564 (S.B. 2028), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Amended by:

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.163, eff. January 1, 2025.

Sec. 201.911. MEMORIAL SIGN PROGRAM FOR MOTORCYCLISTS. (a) In this section, "victim" means a person killed in a highway collision while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

(b) The commission by rule shall establish and administer a memorial sign program to publicly memorialize the victims of motorcycle collisions.

(1) a red cross;

(2) the phrase "In Memory Of" and the name of one or more victims in accordance with the commission rule; and

(3) the date of the collision that resulted in the victim's death.

(d) The sign may include the names of more than one victim if the total length of the names does not exceed one line of text.

(e) A person may request that a sign be posted under this section by:

(1) making an application to the department on a form prescribed by the department; and

(2) submitting a fee to the department in an amount determined by the department to cover the costs of posting the memorial sign.

(f) If the application meets the department's requirements and the applicant pays the memorial sign fee, the department shall erect a sign. A sign posted under this section may remain posted for one year. At the end of the one-year period, the department may release the sign to the applicant. The department is not required to release a sign that has been damaged.

(g) The department shall remove a sign posted under this section that is damaged. Except as provided by Subsection (h), the department may post a new sign if less than one year has passed from the posting of the original sign and a person:

(1) submits a written request to the department to replace the sign; and

(2) submits a replacement fee in the amount provided by Subsection (e)(2).

(h) During the one-year posting period, the department shall replace a sign posted under this section if the sign is damaged because of the department's negligence.

(j) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this section.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1013 (H.B. 2469), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2023.

SUBCHAPTER L. ELECTRONIC ISSUANCE OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING LICENSES

Sec. 201.931. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Digital signature" means an electronic identifier intended by the person using it to have the same force and effect as the use of a manual signature.

(2) "License" means a license or permit for a commercial sign issued under Chapter 391 or for an off-premise sign issued under Chapter 394.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.819, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2A.02, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 40, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 964 (S.B. 2006), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.

Sec. 201.932. APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE. (a) The commission may by rule provide for the filing of a license application and the issuance of a license by electronic means.

(b) The commission may limit applicant eligibility under Subsection (a) if the rules include reasonable eligibility criteria.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.933. DIGITAL SIGNATURE. (a) A license application received by the department is considered signed if a digital signature is transmitted with the application and intended by the applicant to authenticate the license in accordance with Subsection (b).

(b) The department may only accept a digital signature used to authenticate a license application under procedures that:

(1) comply with any applicable rules of another state agency having jurisdiction over department use or acceptance of a digital signature; and

(2) provide for consideration of factors that may affect a digital signature's reliability, including whether a digital signature is:

(A) unique to the person using it;

(B) capable of independent verification;

(D) transmitted in a manner that will make it infeasible to change the data in the communication or digital signature without invalidating the digital signature.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 201.934. PAYMENT OF FEES. The commission may adopt rules regarding the method of payment of a fee for a license issued under this subchapter. The rules may authorize the use of electronic funds transfer or a valid credit card issued by a financial institution chartered by a state or the federal government or by a nationally recognized credit organization approved by the department. The rules may require the payment of a discount or service charge for a credit card payment in addition to the fee.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 1.15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

SUBCHAPTER M. OBLIGATIONS FOR CERTAIN HIGHWAY AND MOBILITY PROJECTS

Sec. 201.941. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Comptroller's certification" means:

(A) as to long-term obligations, the certification made under Section 201.943(e); and

(B) as to short-term obligations, the certification made under Section 201.943(f).

(2) "Credit agreement" has the meaning assigned by Section 1371.001, Government Code.

(3) "Fund" means the Texas Mobility Fund.

(4) "Long-term obligations" means an issue or series of obligations the latest scheduled maturity of which is more than five years.

(5) "Maximum obligation amount" means the maximum aggregate principal amount of long-term obligations and short-term obligations that the commission may issue from time to time after receipt of the applicable comptroller's certification.

(6) "Obligations" means bonds, notes, and other public securities.

(7) "Short-term obligations" means an issue or series of obligations the latest scheduled maturity of which is five years or less.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 6, 2001.

Sec. 201.942. ADMINISTRATION OF FUND. The comptroller shall hold the fund, and the commission, through the department, shall manage, invest, use, and administer the fund as provided by this subchapter.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 6, 2001.

Sec. 201.943. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE OBLIGATIONS; PURPOSES; LIMITATIONS. (a) Subject to Subsections (e), (f), (g), (l), and (m), the commission by order or resolution may issue obligations in the name and on behalf of the state and the department and may enter into credit agreements related to the obligations. The obligations may be issued in multiple series and issues from time to time in an aggregate amount not exceeding the maximum obligation amount. The obligations may be issued on and may have the terms and provisions the commission determines appropriate and in the interests of the state. The obligations may be issued as long-term obligations, short-term obligations, or both. The latest scheduled maturity of an issue or series of obligations may not exceed 30 years.

(b) Obligations must be secured by and payable from a pledge of and lien on all or part of the money in the fund. Obligations may be additionally secured by and payable from credit agreements. The commission may pay amounts due on the obligations from discretionary money available to it that is not dedicated to or appropriated for other specific purposes.

(c) The commission may create within the fund accounts, reserves, and subfunds for purposes the commission finds appropriate and necessary in connection with the issuance of obligations.

(d) Obligations may be issued for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) to pay all or part of the costs of constructing, reconstructing, acquiring, and expanding state highways, including any necessary design and acquisition of rights-of-way, in the manner and locations determined by the commission that, according to conclusive findings of the commission, have an expected useful life, without material repair, of not less than 10 years;

(2) to provide participation by the state in the payment of part of the costs of constructing and providing public transportation projects that are determined by the commission to be in the best interests of the state in its major goal of improving the mobility of the residents of the state;

(3) to create debt service reserve accounts;

(4) to pay interest on obligations for a period of not longer than two years;

(5) to refund or cancel outstanding obligations; and

(6) to pay the commission's costs of issuance.

(e) Long-term obligations in the amount proposed to be issued by the commission may not be issued unless the comptroller projects in a comptroller's certification that the amount of money dedicated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-k(e), Article III, Texas Constitution, and required to be on deposit in the fund pursuant to Section 49-k(f), Article III, Texas Constitution, and the investment earnings on that money, during each year of the period during which the proposed obligations are scheduled to be outstanding will be equal to at least 110 percent of the requirements to pay the principal of and interest on the proposed long-term obligations during that year.

(f) Short-term obligations in the amount proposed by the commission may not be issued unless the comptroller, in a comptroller's certification:

(1) assumes that the short-term obligations will be refunded and refinanced to mature over a 20-year period with level principal requirements and bearing interest at then current market rates, as determined by the comptroller; and

(2) projects that the amount of money dedicated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-k(e), Article III, Texas Constitution, and required to be on deposit in the fund pursuant to Section 49-k(f), Article III, Texas Constitution, and the investment earnings on that money, during each year of the assumed 20-year period will be equal to at least 110 percent of the requirements to pay the principal of and interest on the proposed refunding obligations during that year.

(g) The commission may agree to further restrictions in connection with the issuance of obligations and may retain independent professional consultants to make projections in addition to, but not instead of, those of the comptroller if required as a prerequisite to the issuance of the obligations.

(h) The commission has all powers necessary or appropriate to carry out this subchapter and to implement Section 49-k, Article III, Texas Constitution, including the powers granted to other bond-issuing governmental agencies and units and to nonprofit corporations by Chapters 1201, 1207, and 1371, Government Code.

(i) As required by Section 49-k(h), Article III, Texas Constitution, proceedings authorizing obligations and related credit agreements to be issued and executed under this subchapter shall be submitted to the attorney general for approval as to their legality. If the attorney general finds that they will be issued in accordance with this subchapter and other applicable law, the attorney general shall approve them, and, after payment by the purchasers of the obligations in accordance with the terms of sale and after execution and delivery of the related credit agreements, the obligations and related credit agreements are incontestable for any cause.

(j) A comptroller's certification under this section must be based on economic data, forecasting methods, and projections that the comptroller determines are reliable.

(k) The holders of obligations and the counterparties to credit agreements have the rights granted in Section 49-k(j), Article III, Texas Constitution.

(l) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, obligations may not be issued under this section or Section 49-k, Article III, Texas Constitution, on or after January 1, 2027. The commission may issue obligations to refund:

(1) outstanding obligations to provide savings to the state; and

(2) outstanding variable rate obligations and may renew or replace credit agreements relating to the variable rate obligations.

(m) The aggregate principal amount of obligations that may be issued under this section or Section 49-k, Article III, Texas Constitution, after May 31, 2021, and before January 1, 2027, other than obligations described by Subsection (l)(1) or (2), may not exceed an amount equal to 60 percent of the outstanding principal amount existing on May 1, 2021, of obligations issued under this section or Section 49-k, Article III, Texas Constitution.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 6, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 2.08, eff. June 14, 2005.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 387 (H.B. 122), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2015.

Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1029 (H.B. 2219), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2021.

Sec. 201.944. PLEDGE OF STATE'S FULL FAITH AND CREDIT. (a) The commission may guarantee on behalf of the state the payment of any obligations and credit agreements issued under Section 201.943 by pledging the full faith and credit of the state to the payment of the obligations and credit agreements in the event the revenue and money dedicated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-k(e), Article III, Texas Constitution, and on deposit in the fund pursuant to Section 49-k(f), Article III, Texas Constitution, are insufficient for that purpose.

(b) The exercise of the authority granted by Subsection (a) does not modify or relieve the commission from complying with Section 201.943(e) or (f) and does not permit the issuance of aggregate obligations in an amount exceeding the maximum obligation amount.

(c) If the commission exercises the authority granted by Subsection (a), the constitutional appropriation contained in Section 49-k(g), Article III, Texas Constitution, shall be implemented and observed by all officers of the state during any period during which obligations and credit agreements are outstanding and unpaid.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 6, 2001.

Sec. 201.945. DEDICATION OF REVENUE TO FUND. Annually, the revenue of the state that is dedicated or appropriated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-k(e), Article III, Texas Constitution, shall be deposited to the fund in accordance with Section 49-k(f), Article III, Texas Constitution.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 6, 2001.

Sec. 201.946. INVESTMENT AND USES OF MONEY IN FUND. (a) Money in the fund may be invested in the investments permitted by law for the investment of money on deposit in the state highway fund.

(b) As a part of its covenants and commitments made in connection with the issuance of obligations and the execution of credit agreements, the commission may limit the types of investments eligible for investment of money in the fund but may not expand the types of investments to include any investments that are not authorized by Subsection (a).

(c) Income received from the investment of money in the fund shall be deposited in the fund, subject to requirements that may be imposed by the proceedings authorizing obligations to protect the tax-exempt status of interest payable on the obligations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(d) To the extent money is on deposit in the fund in amounts that are in excess of the money required by the proceedings authorizing the obligations and credit agreements to be retained on deposit, the commission may use the money for any purpose for which obligations may be issued under this subchapter, other than for toll roads.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 6, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 387 (H.B. 122), Sec. 2, eff. June 10, 2015.

Sec. 201.947. STRATEGIC PLAN. The commission may not issue obligations under this subchapter before the department has developed a strategic plan that outlines how the money will be used and the benefit the state will derive from use of money in the fund.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 6, 2001.

SUBCHAPTER N. HIGHWAY TAX AND REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTES

Sec. 201.961. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Committee" means the cash management committee described in Section 404.122, Government Code.

(2) "Credit agreement" has the meaning assigned by Section 1208.001, Government Code.

(3) "Notes" means tax and revenue anticipation notes issued under this subchapter. The term includes any obligation under a credit agreement.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1281, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 201.962. NOTES AUTHORIZED; COMMITTEE APPROVAL. (a) In anticipation of a temporary cash flow shortfall in the state highway fund during any fiscal year, the commission, subject to the approval of the committee, may issue, sell, and deliver tax and revenue anticipation notes on behalf of the state.

(b) Before issuing the notes, the commission shall submit to the committee a state highway fund cash flow shortfall forecast containing a detailed report of estimated revenue and expenditures. Based on the forecast, the committee may approve the issuance of notes in an amount not to exceed the maximum temporary cash flow shortfall forecast.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1281, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 201.963. ISSUANCE OF NOTES. (a) The commission, consistent with the committee's determination under Section 201.962, may issue, sell, and deliver the notes.

(b) Notes issued under this subchapter are not debts of the state and may be used only to make up a temporary shortfall in the state highway fund's cash flow. All notes must mature and be paid in full during the fiscal biennium in which they were issued.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the proceeds of the notes shall be deposited in a special fund in the state treasury known as the highway tax and revenue anticipation note fund. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, depository interest shall be credited to the fund. The department shall transfer the net proceeds from the fund to the state highway fund as necessary to pay authorized expenditures. The comptroller may invest funds in the highway tax and revenue anticipation note fund as authorized under Section 404.024, Government Code. Proceeds of a credit agreement may be deposited as provided by the order authorizing the credit agreement.

(d) The commission may exercise the powers granted to the governing body of an issuer in connection with the issuance of obligations under Chapter 1371, Government Code, to the extent not inconsistent with this subchapter. The notes are not subject to review by the Bond Review Board but are subject to review and approval by the attorney general as provided by Chapter 1371, Government Code. On request, the comptroller may assist the commission with the issuance of notes under this subchapter.

(e) The commission is an authorized issuer under Chapter 1201, Government Code, and that chapter applies to notes authorized by this subchapter.

(f) Amounts in the highway tax and revenue anticipation note fund may be pledged to secure the payment of the notes and performance of obligations under credit agreements relating to the notes and may be used to pay issuance costs and required rebates to the federal government.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1281, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 201.964. FUND TRANSFERS; INTEREST; PAYMENT OF NOTES. (a) The department periodically shall transfer cash received in the state highway fund to the highway tax and revenue anticipation note fund to ensure the timely payment of the notes.

(b) On payment of all outstanding notes, rebates to the federal government, and costs of issuance, the department shall transfer to the state highway fund any amounts remaining in the highway tax and revenue anticipation note fund. If amounts credited to the highway tax and revenue anticipation note fund are insufficient to pay principal, any premium, interest, issuance costs, and any required rebate to the federal government, amounts in the state highway fund are available for appropriation by the legislature to make those payments.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1281, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

SUBCHAPTER O. RAIL RELOCATION AND IMPROVEMENT

Sec. 201.971. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Comptroller's certification" means:

(A) as to long-term obligations, the certification made under Section 201.973(e); and

(B) as to short-term obligations, the certification made under Section 201.973(f).

(2) "Credit agreement" has the meaning assigned by Section 1371.001, Government Code.

(3) "Fund" means the Texas rail relocation and improvement fund.

(4) "Long-term obligations" means an issue or series of obligations the latest scheduled maturity of which is more than five years.

(6) "Obligations" means bonds, notes, and other public securities.

(7) "Rail facility" means real or personal property, or any interest in that property, that is determined to be necessary or convenient for the provision of a freight or passenger rail facility, including commuter rail, intercity rail, and high-speed rail. The term includes all property or interests necessary or convenient for the acquiring, providing, using, or equipping of a rail facility or system, including rights-of-way, trackwork, train controls, stations, and maintenance facilities.

(8) "Short-term obligations" means an issue or series of obligations the latest scheduled maturity of which is five years or less.

(9) "Station" means a passenger or freight service building, terminal, station, ticketing facility, waiting area, platform, concession, elevator, escalator, facility for handicapped access, access road, parking facility for passengers, baggage handling facility, or local maintenance facility, together with any interest in real property necessary or convenient for those items.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.972. ADMINISTRATION OF FUND. The comptroller shall hold the fund, and the commission, through the department, shall manage, invest, use, and administer the fund as provided by this subchapter.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.973. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE OBLIGATIONS; PURPOSES; LIMITATIONS. (a) Subject to Subsections (e), (f), and (g), the commission by order or resolution may issue obligations in the name and on behalf of the state and the department and may enter into credit agreements related to the obligations. The obligations may be issued in multiple series and issues from time to time in an aggregate amount not exceeding the maximum obligation amount. The obligations may be issued on and may have the terms and provisions the commission determines appropriate and in the interests of the state. The obligations may be issued as long-term obligations, short-term obligations, or both. The latest scheduled maturity of an issue or series of obligations may not exceed 30 years.

(b) Obligations must be secured by and payable from a pledge of and lien on all or part of the money in the fund, including the revenues of the state dedicated or appropriated for deposit to the fund. Obligations may be additionally secured by and payable from credit agreements. The commission may pay amounts due on the obligations from discretionary money available to it that is not dedicated to or appropriated for other specific purposes.

(c) The commission may create within the fund accounts, reserves, and subfunds for purposes the commission finds appropriate and necessary.

(c-1) If proceeds of obligations are to be used for a project located in the planning area of a metropolitan planning organization, the project must first be approved by the policy board of the metropolitan planning organization.

(d) Obligations may be issued for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) to pay all or part of the costs of relocating, constructing, reconstructing, acquiring, improving, rehabilitating, or expanding rail facilities owned or to be owned by the department, including any necessary design, in the manner and locations determined by the commission that according to conclusive findings of the commission have an expected useful life, without material repair, of not less than 10 years;

(2) to provide participation by the state in the payment of part of the costs of relocating, constructing, reconstructing, acquiring, improving, rehabilitating, or expanding publicly or privately owned rail facilities, including any necessary design, if the commission determines that the project will be in the best interests of the state in its major goal of improving the mobility of the residents of the state and will:

(A) relieve congestion on public highways;

(B) enhance public safety;

(D) expand economic opportunity;

(3) to create debt service reserve accounts;

(4) to pay interest on obligations for a period of not longer than two years;

(5) to refund or cancel outstanding obligations; and

(6) to pay the commission's costs of issuance.

(d-1) The fund may also be used to provide a method of financing the construction of railroad underpasses and overpasses, if the construction is part of the relocation of a rail facility.

(d-2) Proceeds of obligations may not be used to relocate an existing rail line unless the governing bodies of a majority of the total number of counties and municipalities in which the relocated rail line will be located have first approved the relocation.

(e) Long-term obligations in the amount proposed to be issued by the commission may not be issued unless the comptroller projects in a comptroller's certification that the amount of money dedicated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-o(d), Article III, Texas Constitution, and required to be on deposit in the fund pursuant to Section 49-o(e), Article III, Texas Constitution, and the investment earnings on that money, during each year of the period during which the proposed obligations are scheduled to be outstanding will be equal to at least 110 percent of the requirements to pay the principal of and interest on the proposed long-term obligations during that year.

(f) Short-term obligations in the amount proposed by the commission may not be issued unless the comptroller, in a comptroller's certification:

(1) assumes that the short-term obligations will be refunded and refinanced to mature over a 20-year period with level debt service requirements and bearing interest at then current market rates, as determined by the comptroller; and

(2) projects that the amount of money dedicated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-o(d), Article III, Texas Constitution, and required to be on deposit in the fund pursuant to Section 49-o(e), Article III, Texas Constitution, and the investment earnings on that money, during each year of the assumed 20-year period will be equal to at least 110 percent of the requirements to pay the principal of and interest on the proposed refunding obligations during that year.

(h) The commission has all powers necessary or appropriate to carry out this subchapter and to implement Section 49-o, Article III, Texas Constitution, including the powers granted to other bond-issuing governmental agencies and units and to nonprofit corporations by Chapters 1201, 1207, and 1371, Government Code.

(i) As required by Section 49-o(g), Article III, Texas Constitution, proceedings authorizing obligations and related credit agreements to be issued and executed under this subchapter shall be submitted to the attorney general for approval as to their legality. If the attorney general finds that they will be issued in accordance with this subchapter and other applicable law, the attorney general shall approve them, and, after payment by the purchasers of the obligations in accordance with the terms of sale and after execution and delivery of the related credit agreements, the obligations and related credit agreements are incontestable for any cause.

(j) A comptroller's certification under this section must be based on economic data, forecasting methods, and projections that the comptroller determines are reliable. In determining the principal and interest requirements on outstanding and proposed obligations, and subject to the express limitations of this subchapter and Section 49-o, Article III, Texas Constitution, the comptroller shall rely on the assumptions included in the resolutions authorizing the obligations for the computation of debt service.

(k) The holders of obligations and the counterparties to credit agreements have the rights granted in Section 49-o(i), Article III, Texas Constitution.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.974. PLEDGE OF STATE'S FULL FAITH AND CREDIT. (a) The commission may guarantee on behalf of the state the payment of any obligations and credit agreements issued under Section 201.973 by pledging the full faith and credit of the state to the payment of the obligations and credit agreements in the event the revenue and money dedicated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-o(d), Article III, Texas Constitution, and on deposit in the fund pursuant to Section 49-o(e), Article III, Texas Constitution, are insufficient for that purpose.

(b) The exercise of the authority granted by Subsection (a) does not modify or relieve the commission from complying with Section 201.973(e) or (f) and does not permit the issuance of aggregate obligations in an amount exceeding the maximum obligation amount.

(c) If the commission exercises the authority granted by Subsection (a), the constitutional appropriation contained in Section 49-o(f), Article III, Texas Constitution, shall be implemented and observed by all officers of the state during any period during which obligations and credit agreements are outstanding and unpaid.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.975. DEDICATION OF REVENUE TO FUND. Annually, the revenue of the state that is dedicated or appropriated to the fund pursuant to Section 49-o(d), Article III, Texas Constitution, shall be deposited to the fund in accordance with Section 49-o(e), Article III, Texas Constitution.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.976. INVESTMENT AND USES OF MONEY IN FUND. (a) Money in the fund may be invested in the investments permitted by law for the investment of money on deposit in the state highway fund.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.977. STRATEGIC PLAN. The commission may not issue obligations under this subchapter before the department has developed a strategic plan that outlines how the money will be used and the benefit the state will derive from use of money in the fund.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.978. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY. (a) The department may acquire by purchase property or an interest in property necessary or convenient for one or more of the purposes for which obligations may be issued under Section 201.973(d).

(b) Property acquired under Subsection (a) may be used for any transportation purpose.

(c) Notwithstanding Chapter 202, the department may sell or lease property acquired under Subsection (a) that is no longer needed for a transportation purpose. Revenue from a sale or lease shall be deposited in the fund.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1070 (H.B. 1546), Sec. 1, eff. November 8, 2005.

Sec. 201.979. "WELCOME TO TEXAS" SIGNS. (a) The department shall erect a "Welcome to Texas" sign to designate the state boundary on an interstate, United States, or state highway entering the state.

(b) A "Welcome to Texas" sign erected by the department must include the following elements:

(1) a depiction of the state flag; and

(2) the phrase "Drive Friendly - The Texas Way."

(c) A "Welcome to Texas" sign may also include the phrase "Welcome to Texas - Proud Home of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush."

(d) Notwithstanding Subsection (c) above, if the president of the United States is a resident of Texas, a "Welcome to Texas" sign erected by the department shall include the phrase "Welcome to Texas - Proud Home of President [insert name of the president of the United States]."

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1041 (H.B. 4465), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2010.

Sec. 201.980. TEXAS FLAGS AT INTERNATIONAL PORTS-OF-ENTRY. (a) The department shall erect and maintain a Texas flag to designate the state boundary at an appropriate location at or near each interstate, United States, or state highway originating at an official port-of-entry along an international border.

(b) A Texas flag flown under this section shall be visible from the international port-of-entry and must be equal in size or larger than the flag of any foreign nation flown at the port-of-entry operating on the other side of the international border.

(c) The department may contract with any governmental or private entity for the care and maintenance of any Texas flag flown under this section.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1041 (H.B. 4465), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2010.

SUBCHAPTER P. UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Sec. 201.9901. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Planning organization" means:

(A) a metropolitan planning organization; or

(B) for an area that is not within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning organization, the department district that serves the area.

(2) "Project" means a connectivity or new capacity roadway project in the region of a planning organization. The term does not include a safety project, bridge project, federal discretionary project, maintenance project, or preservation project.

(3) "Region" means the area for which a planning organization develops plans under this subchapter.

(4) "Transportation official" means an official in a political subdivision who has responsibility for planning and implementation of transportation projects.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 314 (H.B. 20), Sec. 2, eff. June 3, 2015.

Sec. 201.991. UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM. (a) The department shall develop a unified transportation program covering a period of 10 years to guide the development of and authorize construction of transportation projects. The program must:

(1) annually identify target funding levels; and

(2) list all projects that the department intends to develop or begin construction of during the program period.

(b) The commission shall adopt rules that:

(1) specify the criteria for selecting projects to be included in the program;

(2) define program funding categories, including categories for safety, maintenance, and mobility; and

(3) define each phase of a major transportation project, including the planning, programming, implementation, and construction phases.

(b-1) The commission by rule shall:

(1) adopt a policy comprehensively explaining the department's approach to public involvement and transparency related to the unified transportation program; and

(2) require the department to, at a minimum, make a report on any change to the unified transportation program available on the department's Internet website and provide the report to the commission in a public meeting, regardless of any rules adopted for public hearings and approvals.

(c) The department shall publish the entire unified transportation program and summary documents highlighting project benchmarks, priorities, and forecasts in appropriate media and on the department's Internet website in a format that is easily understandable by the public.

(d) In developing the rules required by Subsection (b), the commission shall collaborate with local transportation entities.

(e) In developing the policy required by Subsection (b-1)(1), the commission shall collaborate with stakeholders.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.9911. PLANNING ORGANIZATION 10-YEAR PLAN. (a) Each planning organization shall develop a 10-year transportation plan for the use of the funding allocated to the region. The department shall assist the planning organizations by providing in a timely manner such information as is reasonably requested by the planning organizations.

(b) The first four years of the plan shall be developed to meet the transportation improvement plan requirements of 23 U.S.C. Section 134 or 135, as applicable.

(c) For an area that is not within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning organization, the department district shall develop the 10-year transportation plan with input from municipal and county elected officials and transportation officials in the region.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 314 (H.B. 20), Sec. 3, eff. June 3, 2015.

Sec. 201.992. ANNUAL UPDATE TO UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM. (a) The department shall annually update the unified transportation program.

(b) The annual update must include:

(1) the annual funding forecast required by Section 201.993;

(2) the list of major transportation projects required by Section 201.994(b);

(3) the category to which the project has been assigned and the priority of the project in the category under Section 201.995; and

(4) the analysis required by Section 201.808(i).

(c) The department shall collaborate with local transportation entities to develop the annual update to the unified transportation program.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.993. ANNUAL FUNDING AND CASH FLOW FORECASTS. (a) The department annually shall:

(1) develop and publish on the department's Internet website a forecast of all funds the department expects to receive, including funds from this state and the federal government; and

(2) use that forecast to guide planning for the unified transportation program.

(b) The department shall collaborate with local transportation entities to develop scenarios for the forecast required by Subsection (a) based on mutually acceptable funding assumptions.

(c) Not later than September 1 of each year, the department shall prepare and publish on the department's Internet website a cash flow forecast for a period of 20 years.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.9932. PROJECT RECOMMENDATION CRITERIA. Each planning organization shall develop its own project recommendation criteria, which must include consideration of:

(1) projected improvements to congestion and safety;

(2) projected effects on economic development opportunities for residents of the region;

(3) available funding;

(4) effects on the environment, including air quality;

(5) socioeconomic effects, including disproportionately high and adverse health or environmental effects on minority or low-income neighborhoods; and

(6) any other factors deemed appropriate by the planning organization.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 314 (H.B. 20), Sec. 4, eff. June 3, 2015.

Sec. 201.994. MAJOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS. (a) The commission by rule shall:

(1) establish criteria for designating a project as a major transportation project;

(2) develop benchmarks for evaluating the progress of a major transportation project and timelines for implementation and construction of a major transportation project; and

(3) determine which critical benchmarks must be met before a major transportation project may enter the implementation phase of the unified transportation program.

(b) The department annually shall update the list of projects that are designated as major transportation projects.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.995. PRIORITY PROJECTS IN PROGRAM CATEGORIES. (a) The commission by rule shall:

(1) establish categories in the unified transportation program;

(2) assign each project identified in the program to a category; and

(3) designate the priority ranking of each project within each category.

(b) The department shall collaborate with local transportation entities when assigning each project included in the unified transportation program to a category established under Subsection (a).

(c) The highest priority projects within an applicable category of the unified transportation program must be projects designated as major transportation projects.

(d) In prioritizing and approving projects under Section 201.9991 that are included in the unified transportation program, the commission must first evaluate projects on strategic need and potential contribution toward meeting the transportation goals established under Section 201.601(a-1)(1). After conducting that initial evaluation, the commission may conduct a secondary evaluation based on other factors such as funding availability and project readiness.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.996. FUNDING ALLOCATION. (a) For each funding category established under Section 201.991(b)(2), the commission by rule shall specify the formulas for allocating funds to districts and metropolitan planning organizations for:

(1) preventive maintenance and rehabilitation of the state highway system in all districts;

(2) mobility and added capacity projects in metropolitan and urban areas;

(3) mobility and added capacity projects on major state highways that provide statewide connectivity between urban areas and highway system corridors;

(4) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement projects in nonattainment areas;

(5) metropolitan mobility and added capacity projects within the boundaries of designated metropolitan planning areas of metropolitan planning organizations located in a transportation management area;

(6) transportation enhancements project funding; and

(7) projects eligible for federal or state funding, as determined by the applicable district engineer.

(b) Subject to applicable state and federal law, the commission shall determine the allocation of funds in all of the other categories established under Section 201.991(b)(2), including a category for projects of specific importance to the state, including projects that:

(1) promote economic opportunity;

(2) increase efficiency on military deployment routes or that retain military assets; and

(3) maintain the ability of appropriate entities to respond to emergencies.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.997. FUND DISTRIBUTION. (a) The department shall allocate funds to the department districts based on the formulas adopted under Section 201.996.

(b) In distributing funds to department districts, the department may not exceed the cash flow forecast prepared and published under Section 201.993(c).

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.998. DISTRICT PROJECT PORTFOLIOS. (a) Each department district shall develop a consistently formatted project portfolio based on the unified transportation program covering a period of at least four years that contains all projects that the district proposes to implement during that period.

(b) The department shall develop comprehensive performance measures for key steps in the project development process for projects included in each district's project portfolio. The department shall use the performance measures developed under this subsection to track and report whether each district is:

(1) developing an appropriate mix of projects; and

(2) on track to meet letting targets that are consistent with applicable department policy governing when a project should be bid on for a contract awarded by the department.

(c) The department shall conduct a review of project development activities in each district's project portfolio on a regular basis and use the review to monitor and evaluate the performance of each district.

(d) In conducting the review required by Subsection (c), the department shall, when appropriate, seek input from key stakeholders such as local government project sponsors or metropolitan planning organizations.

(e) The commission shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this section.

(f) The commission shall adopt and regularly update rules:

(1) governing the overall planning, review, and monitoring process created by this section;

(2) specifying how planning and project stakeholders can become involved in the process described by Subdivision (1); and

(3) requiring the department to regularly report results under this section to the commission and the public and specifying the method for reporting those results.

(g) The commission shall consult a stakeholder group before adopting or updating rules under Subsection (f).

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.9991. PRIORITIZATION AND APPROVAL OF PROJECTS BY COMMISSION. (a) The commission by rule shall prioritize and approve projects included in the statewide transportation plan under Section 201.601 or in the unified transportation program under Section 201.991 in order to provide financial assistance under this chapter.

(b) The commission by rule shall establish a performance-based process for setting funding levels for the categories of projects in the department's unified transportation program.

(c) The commission by rule shall establish a scoring system for prioritizing projects for which financial assistance is sought from the commission by planning organizations. The criteria used to score projects must take into consideration the department's strategic goals as approved by the commission in accordance with the requirements of 23 U.S.C. Section 134 or 135, as applicable. The system must account for the diverse needs of the state so as to fairly allocate funding to all regions of the state.

(d) The commission may make discretionary funding decisions for no more than 10 percent of the current biennial budget of the department.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 314 (H.B. 20), Sec. 4, eff. June 3, 2015.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2017.

Sec. 201.9992. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPARTMENT AND METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS. (a) The commission shall adopt rules governing:

(1) the alignment of the department's state and federal funding forecasts, including the annual funding forecast required by Section 201.993, with the funding forecasts of metropolitan planning organizations, including:

(A) the funding forecasts used for long-term planning as described in Sections 201.620 and 472.035; and

(B) the 10-year transportation plan required by Section 201.9911;

(2) the alignment of the statewide project recommendation criteria developed by the department with the project recommendation criteria developed by metropolitan planning organizations that relate to statewide transportation goals, particularly for major mobility projects using a mix of several funding sources and selected by different entities;

(3) the department's timelines and review process for the 10-year transportation plans required by Section 201.9911;

(4) the department's process for allowing metropolitan planning organizations direct access to the department's information systems, software, and technical assistance for the purpose of accomplishing statewide transportation goals; and

(5) the department's process for collaborating with metropolitan planning organizations to regularly evaluate the availability, consistency, and quality of data and other information needed to fully develop a more performance-based transportation planning and project selection system.

(b) A rule adopted under Subsection (a)(3) must take into consideration a metropolitan planning organization's other deadlines and requirements in federal law.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 533 (S.B. 312), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2017.

SUBCHAPTER Y. DEPARTMENT BUILDING NAMES

Sec. 201.2001. HONORABLE HILARY B. DORAN TRANSPORTATION BUILDING. The building in which, on June 1, 2009, is located the office of the area engineer for Val Verde County is designated as the Honorable Hilary B. Doran Transportation Building.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1023 (H.B. 4311), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 201.2002. EDMUND P. KUEMPEL REST AREAS. (a) The eastbound and westbound rest areas located on Interstate Highway 10 in Guadalupe County are designated as the Edmund P. Kuempel Rest Areas.

(b) The department shall design and construct markers at each rest area described by Subsection (a) indicating the designation of those rest areas as the Edmund P. Kuempel Rest Areas and any other appropriate information.

(d) Notwithstanding Subsections (b) and (c), the department is not required to design, construct, or erect a marker under this section unless a grant or donation of private funds is made to the department to cover the cost of the design, construction, and erection of the marker.

(e) Money received under Subsection (d) shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2011.

Sec. 201.2003. NELDA LANEY SAFETY REST AREAS. (a) The northbound and southbound rest areas located on Interstate Highway 27 in Hale County are designated as the Nelda Laney Safety Rest Areas.

(b) The department shall design and construct markers at each rest area described by Subsection (a) indicating the designation of those rest areas as the Nelda Laney Safety Rest Areas and any other appropriate information.

(e) Money received under Subsection (d) shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1033 (H.B. 1691), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.