By: Schwertner	S.B. No. 979
	(In the Senate - Filed February 21, 2017; March 6, 2017,
	read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation;
	April 6, 2017, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
	Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 9, Nays 0; April 6, 2017,
	sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
	COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 979	By:  Hall

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the disposition of real property intended for
	high-speed rail projects.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 112, Transportation Code,
	is amended by adding Section 112.063 to read as follows:
	Sec. 112.063.  DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED FOR
	HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT. (a)  In this section, "high-speed rail"
	means intercity passenger service that is reasonably expected to
	reach speeds of at least 110 miles per hour.
	(b)  A private entity that operates or plans to operate a
	high-speed rail project and acquires real property for a high-speed
	rail project through the threat of the exercise of a purported power
	of eminent domain:
	(1)  may not use the property for any purpose other than
	a high-speed rail project; and
	(2)  if the property is not used for a high-speed rail
	project, may not convey the property to any person unless the former
	property owner is given notice and opportunity to repurchase the
	property.
	(c)  This section applies to a private entity that represents
	itself:
	(1)  as a railroad, whether or not the entity is a
	railroad; or
	(2)  as another entity that may exercise the power of
	eminent domain.
	SECTION 2.  Section 112.063, Transportation Code, as added
	by this Act, applies only to real property acquired on or after
	September 1, 2017.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
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