89th Legislature, 2025
See what bills we’re watching in Bills to Watch!
The coalition has developed six legislative priorities (link to details):
1. TxDOT’s funding should allow flexibility to invest in more transportation options.
2. The Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund (RRIF) should have a consistent source of funding.
3. TxDOT should use more accurate traffic, safety, air quality and GHG modeling in their project decision making.
4. Texas Transportation Commissioners (TTC) should have relevant expertise.
5. TxDOT should hold annual District-wide meetings.
6. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) should have the flexibility to designate ‘metropolitan lanes’ to optimize mobility through metropolitan areas.
88th Legislature, 2023
The coalition promoted five legislative priorities, along with wider agendas of partner organizations. Two priority bills became law or policy.
We organized and participated in two lobby days, one focusing on our agenda and one supporting advocates advocating for their own concerns.
Legislative Agenda
Safe Neighborhood Streets: HB 2224, Hernandez / SB 1663, Alvarado. TXSC advocacy led by Farm&City.
Allows cities to set safe speed limits on residential streets at 20 or 25 mph, which matches what counties are already allowed to do. Removes cumbersome bureaucracy and costs to implement. Will increase quality of life, economic growth and property values, as crashes, injuries, and fatalities are reduced.
OUTCOME:
- House passed on 4/20/23.
- Senate Committee report sent to Calendars, 05/05/23.
Transparent ID for TxDOT Field Staff and Contractors: HB 1969, Morales Shaw / SB 1775 Alvarado. TXSC advocacy led by STOP TxDOT I-45.
Requires on-site identification for TxDOT contractors and subcontractors when imminent domain is a factor, via a visible ID badge and vehicle decal. Will increase public awareness of TxDOT projects, and protection from potential scammers.
State Highway and Transportation Fund: HJR 77, Walle / SJR 37, Miles et al. TXSC advocacy led by Air Alliance Houston.
Proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas State Highway Fund to be used on multi modal transportation projects that safely get Texans where they need to go. Allows TxDOT to build projects to best meet the needs of the diverse Texas population.
OUTCOME:
- House referred to Transportation Committee, 4/12/23.
- Senate co-author authorized, 2/21/23.
Local Street Design Alternatives in EIS: HB 5154, Morales Shaw. TXSC advocacy led by STOP TxDOT I-45.
For highway projects, requires TxDOT to consider safety, economy, multimodal, and impact on adjacent communities and environment, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Fair Representation at Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): HB 5156, Morales Shaw. TXSC advocacy led by Farm&City.
Requires Texas Metropolitan Planning Organizations to analyze their decision-making strategies to ensure democratic processes are aligned to the principle of one-person, one-vote — giving proportional weight by population.
OUTCOME: House referred to Transportation Committee, 3/24/23.