The bill, S.B. No. 1770, mandates the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to prioritize the needs of various road users—including motorists, public transportation users, bicyclists, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities—during all phases of transportation planning and development. It introduces a "Complete Streets Policy," which requires TxDOT to adopt guidelines that ensure safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users in the design and maintenance of streets and highways. The bill emphasizes the importance of considering the diverse needs of users based on the urban, rural, or suburban context and mandates compliance with this policy for projects funded by federal or state resources.
Additionally, the bill outlines the process for adopting the Complete Streets Policy, which includes consulting best practices from various transportation authorities and organizations. It specifies that local authorities must also adhere to this policy when planning and constructing transportation projects. Exemptions to the policy are provided under certain conditions, such as when the use of a street by pedestrians or bicyclists is legally prohibited or when compliance costs are disproportionately high. The Texas Transportation Commission is tasked with publishing a best practices report by July 1, 2028, detailing the implementation of the Complete Streets Policy and any exemptions granted. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()