House Bill No. 3514 proposes the establishment of a program by the Texas Department of Transportation that allows real property owners adjacent to state highway right-of-ways to plant or replace vegetation. The new section, 202.0585, outlines that property owners can enhance the aesthetic appeal of their property by planting new vegetation or replacing existing vegetation that obstructs visibility. The program is limited to the right-of-way, including the outer separation, within 500 feet of the property.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that property owners are responsible for all costs associated with the planting or replacement of vegetation and must use vegetation suited to local conditions. They are required to hire a landscaping professional approved by the department and must not interfere with public utility infrastructure. The rules established under this section will not compromise the state's right to utilize the right-of-way for road construction or reconstruction, and the use of the right-of-way by property owners does not constitute abandonment by the department. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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