Transportation (Roads & Highways)

HB 157 allows local governments within regional transportation authorities to use up to 25% of their annual sales tax revenue for local mobility projects. It directly affects cities or counties in these authorities by enabling them to fund sidewalks, trails, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements on local roads. The bill requires annual project lists and splits funding between 50% upfront and 50% reimbursement before year-end. Unused funds must pay down existing debt secured by a 1% sales tax, but the primary change is expanding local control over transportation investments.

HB 244 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to coordinate with local flood control authorities during highway construction to minimize flooding impacts and add stormwater outfalls or other flood control measures to projects. It specifically directs TxDOT to consider existing, proposed, and expected roadways near highway projects when implementing these measures. The bill directly affects TxDOT and local flood control entities, mandating concrete coordination and infrastructure changes during highway planning. This amendment to Transportation Code Section 201.611 takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.