bill letting cities fix broken highway signals without asking TxDOT

The text as introduced · 238 words

90R4576 GJD-D

By: Vasut
H.B. No. 693

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authority of a local authority to install a

temporary traffic-control device on certain highways.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 544.002, Transportation Code, is amended

by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (d) to read as

follows:

(c) A local authority may not place or maintain a

traffic-control device on a highway under the jurisdiction of the

Texas Department of Transportation without that department's

permission, except as authorized under Subsection (d) and Section

545.3561.

(d) A local authority may place and maintain a temporary

traffic-control device on a highway under the jurisdiction of the

Texas Department of Transportation without the department's

permission if:

(1) an existing traffic-control device on the highway

becomes inoperable;

(2) the local authority notifies the department of the

placement of the temporary traffic-control device; and

(3) the local authority removes the temporary

traffic-control device as soon as practicable after the existing

traffic-control device becomes operable again.

SECTION 2. Section 553.002(d), Transportation Code, is

amended to read as follows:

(d) This section does not apply to :

(1) an ordinance enacted or a temporary speed limit

sign erected or operated under Section 545.3561 ; or

(2) an ordinance enacted or a temporary

traffic-control device placed or maintained under Section

544.002(d) .

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.