Relating to municipal annexation of an area adjacent to contiguous or connecting railroad rights-of-way.

89(R) HB 4689 - House Committee Report version - Bill Text

89R3656 SCL-F

By: Hickland

H.B. No. 4689

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to municipal annexation of an area adjacent to contiguous

or connecting railroad rights-of-way.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 43, Local Government Code,

is amended by adding Section 43.1057 to read as follows:

Sec.

43.1057.

ANNEXATION OF AREA ADJACENT TO CONTIGUOUS OR

CONNECTING RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY.

(a)

Notwithstanding any other

law, a municipality that is annexing an area under Subchapter C-3,

C-4, C-5, or D may also annex with the initial area an additional

area if:

(1)

the area is adjacent to a right-of-way of a railway

line, spur, or other railroad property that is:

(A)

contiguous and runs parallel to the

municipality's boundaries; and

(B)

contiguous to the area being annexed under

Subchapter C-3, C-4, C-5, or D; and

(2)

each owner of the area agrees to the annexation by

the municipality.

(b)

For purposes of Subsection (a) or other law with a

municipal boundary contiguous requirement, including a municipal

charter or ordinance, an area adjacent or contiguous to the initial

area being annexed under Subsection (a) is considered adjacent and

contiguous to the annexing municipality.

(c)

Section 43.054 does not apply to the annexation under

this section of the additional area described by Subsection (a).

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.