The bill, S.B. No. 1770, mandates the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to incorporate the needs of various road users—including motorists, public transportation users, bicyclists, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities—into all aspects of transportation planning and operations. It establishes a "complete streets policy," which requires TxDOT and local authorities to ensure that transportation projects are designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users. The bill outlines specific guidelines for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of streets and highways, emphasizing the importance of accommodating diverse user needs based on the context of urban, rural, or suburban environments.
Additionally, the bill requires the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt this complete streets policy and to publish a best practices report by July 1, 2028, detailing how TxDOT and local authorities have implemented the policy. It also specifies exemptions for certain projects under specific conditions, such as when compliance costs are disproportionately high or when a roadway is not intended for use by pedestrians or bicyclists. The complete streets policy will not apply to projects with pending environmental assessments submitted before September 1, 2025, and the act is set to take effect on that same date.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()