HB3019 - Relating to the authority of certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities and related entities to request and receive federal funds.

      By: Cain H.B. No. 3019       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the authority of certain metropolitan rapid transit   authorities and related entities to request and receive federal   funds.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 451, Transportation Code, is amended by   adding Section 451.069 to read as follows:           Sec.   451.069.     SUBMISSION OF REQUESTS FOR FEDERAL FUNDS;   CERTAIN AUTHORITIES.   (a)   This section applies only to an authority   confirmed before July 1, 1985, in which the principal municipality   had a population of less than 850,000 at the time of the authority's   creation, and to any local government corporation created under   Chapter 431 of the Transportation Code and Chapter 394 of the Local   Government Code to which the authority appoints one or more members   of the governing body.           (b)     The authority, or any other entity described in   subsection (a), may not apply for or receive federal funds,   including capital investment grants, to be used to support   construction or operation of a light rail transit system without   the approval of the governor.           (c)     In determining whether to grant an approval under   Subsection (b), the governor shall consider:                 (1)     whether the governing body of the principal   municipality has taken actions to adequately address public health   and safety issues impacting individuals experiencing homelessness   and citizens of the municipality, including precluding camping in   public places and areas around transit stops, stations, and other   right-of-way so as to enhance the safety of users of the transit   authority system;                 (2)     whether the principal municipality has taken   adequate measures to enforce voter-approved restrictions against   camping, sitting or lying in public spaces so as to protect public   safety and the safety of users of the transit authority system; and                 (3)     the degree to which the request for funding will   compete with requests from other entities in Texas and therefore   result in a competitive disadvantage for the state.           (d)     For purposes of determining whether the requirement of   subsection (c)(2) has been satisfied the governor my request that   the office of the attorney general review any voter-approved   restrictions and actions taken subsequent thereto and provide an   opinion as to whether the principal municipality is enforcing the   restrictions in accordance with the voter-approved proposition.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.