HB4230 - Relating to the establishment of a hike and bike trail to be known as the Bicentennial Trail.

      H.B. No. 4230         AN ACT   relating to the establishment of a hike and bike trail to be known   as the Bicentennial Trail.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 31, Natural Resources Code, is amended   by adding Subchapter J to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER J. BICENTENNIAL TRAIL           Sec.   31.501.     DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "hike and   bike trail" means a trail designed for the exclusive use of   pedestrians and bicyclists.           Sec.   31.5011.     ESTABLISHMENT OF BICENTENNIAL TRAIL. (a)     The land office shall coordinate the establishment of a hike and   bike trail network for the purposes described by Section 31.502,   with connections as described by that section, to be known as the   Bicentennial Trail.           (b)     The land office shall undertake to ensure that the   Bicentennial Trail is established on or before January 1, 2036.           (c)     As necessary or convenient to coordinate the   establishment and maintenance of the Bicentennial Trail, the land   office shall enter into memoranda of understanding with political   subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, the Parks and Wildlife   Department, the Texas Department of Transportation, and other   appropriate persons or entities.           (d)     A memorandum of understanding entered into under   Subsection (c) may address:                 (1)  coordination of trail development;                 (2)  trail maintenance;                   (3)  acquisition of interests in real property;                 (4)  conservation efforts along the trail routes; or                 (5)     any other matter pertinent to the establishment or   maintenance of the trail.           (e)     The land office may adopt rules as necessary to   coordinate the establishment of the Bicentennial Trail, including a   timeline for the acquisition of real property and real property   interests as necessary to complete the trail route.           (f)     Real property or interests in real property necessary to   complete the trail routes may not be acquired through eminent   domain.           (g)  This section expires September 1, 2037.           Sec.   31.502.     BICENTENNIAL TRAIL PURPOSES. The Bicentennial   Trail is established as a network of hike and bike trails to connect   the Alamo to the State Capitol and to include hike and bike trail   connections to Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs,   and San Antonio Springs for the purposes of promoting outdoor   recreation, environmental stewardship, and the historical and   cultural heritage of this state.           Sec.   31.503.     USE OF BICENTENNIAL TRAIL PROPERTY. Real   property acquired by this state for the Bicentennial Trail may be   used only for the purposes of the Bicentennial Trail.           Sec.   31.504.     BICENTENNIAL TRAIL MAINTENANCE. The Parks and   Wildlife Department shall maintain any real property it acquires   for the Bicentennial Trail.          SECTION 2.  The expiration of Section 31.5011, Natural   Resources Code, as added by this Act, does not affect the validity   of a memorandum of understanding entered into under that section.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 4230 was passed by the House on May 2,   2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 117, Nays 19, 1 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 4230 was passed by the Senate on May   25, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 4.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor