HB663 - Relating to limitations on the applicability of certain statutes to high-speed rail.

  89R1300 CS-D     By: Harrison H.B. No. 663       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to limitations on the applicability of certain statutes to   high-speed rail.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 112.002, Transportation Code, is amended   by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read as   follows:          (b)  A railroad company may:                (1)  sue, be sued, plead, and be impleaded in its   corporate name;                (2)  have and use a seal and alter the seal at will;                (3)  receive and convey persons and property on its   railway by any mechanical power, including the use of steam;                (4)  regulate the time and manner in which, and the   compensation for which, passengers and property are transported,   subject to the provisions of law;                (5)   except as provided by Subsection (c), exercise the   power of eminent domain for the purposes prescribed by this   subtitle or Subtitle D;                (6)  purchase, hold, and use all property as necessary   for the construction and use of its railway, stations, and other   accommodations necessary to accomplish company objectives, and   convey that property when no longer required for railway use; and                (7)  take, hold, and use property granted to the   company to aid in the construction and use of its railway, and   convey that property in a manner consistent with the terms of the   grant when the property is no longer required for railway use.           (c)     A private entity may not exercise the power of eminent   domain for the purpose of developing or operating high-speed rail,   as defined by Section 111.103, 112.201, or 199.003.          SECTION 2.  Subchapter B, Chapter 131, Transportation Code,   is amended by adding Section 131.0115 to read as follows:           Sec.   131.0115.     INAPPLICABILITY TO HIGH-SPEED RAIL. This   subchapter does not apply to high-speed rail, as defined by Section   111.103, 112.201, or 199.003.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.