S.B. No. 1993 aims to establish a prohibition on certain roadway projects by local governmental entities in Texas and outlines the consequences for those that violate this prohibition. The bill amends the Transportation Code to require home-rule municipalities to follow a specific process before vacating, abandoning, or closing streets or alleys, which includes holding a public hearing, submitting a request for approval to the commission, and obtaining voter approval. Additionally, the bill introduces a new subchapter that defines prohibited roadway projects, specifically those that reallocate existing vehicular roadway space for other uses or narrow existing lanes without creating additional traffic lanes.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a local governmental entity implements a prohibited roadway project, the Texas Transportation Commission must notify the entity and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, which will result in a prohibition on financial assistance to that entity until the violation is resolved. The bill also includes provisions for public notice regarding roadway projects and establishes a process for investigating complaints related to violations. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 311.001, Transportation Code 311.007, Government Code 2306.111 (Transportation Code 311, Government Code 2306)