S.B. No. 1555 establishes a grant program aimed at funding specific railroad grade separation projects to enhance public safety, promote economic development, and alleviate traffic congestion. The bill amends Chapter 471 of the Transportation Code by adding Section 471.010, which outlines the criteria for awarding grants to political subdivisions or railroad companies for projects that separate railroads from roadways and pedestrian crossings. The grants can be used as matching funds to secure additional financing, and each grant must be approved by the Texas Transportation Commission, which requires that at least 10% of the project costs come from non-state sources.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the funding for this grant program will come solely from legislative appropriations and external gifts or grants, explicitly prohibiting the use of state highway fund money for these grants. The Texas Transportation Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement this program by October 1, 2025. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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