The bill, H.B. No. 4689, introduces a new provision in the Local Government Code that allows municipalities in Texas to annex areas adjacent to contiguous or connecting railroad rights-of-way. Specifically, it adds Section 43.1057, which permits a municipality to annex an additional area alongside the initial area being annexed under Subchapters C-3, C-4, C-5, or D, provided that the additional area is adjacent to a railway right-of-way that runs parallel to the municipality's boundaries and is contiguous to the area being annexed. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that each owner of the additional area must agree to the annexation.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that for the purposes of determining municipal boundaries, areas adjacent or contiguous to the initial area being annexed will be considered as such in relation to the annexing municipality. It also specifies that Section 43.054 of the Local Government Code does not apply to the annexation of the additional area described in this new section. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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