By: Birdwell  S.B. No. 975          (In the Senate - Filed February 21, 2017; March 1, 2017,   read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation;   April 6, 2017, reported favorably by the following vote:  Yeas 9,   Nays 0; April 6, 2017, sent to printer.)Click here to see the committee vote     A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT     relating to the security of high-speed rail operated by a private   entity.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 112, Transportation Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter E to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER E.  SECURITY FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL OPERATED BY PRIVATE   ENTITY          Sec. 112.201.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "high-speed   rail" means intercity passenger rail service that is reasonably   expected to reach speeds of at least 110 miles per hour.          Sec. 112.202.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only   to high-speed rail operated by a private entity.          Sec. 112.203.  DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY POWERS AND   DUTIES. (a)  To the extent not preempted by federal law, the   Department of Public Safety:                (1)  shall administer and enforce the provisions of   this subchapter; and                (2)  may adopt rules as necessary to administer this   subchapter.          (b)  In carrying out the powers and duties under this   subchapter, the Department of Public Safety has the same authority   granted to the Texas Department of Transportation under Subchapter   B, Chapter 111.           (c)  The Department of Public Safety shall provide the   emergency management training course described by Section 418.005,   Government Code, to employees of a high-speed rail line designated   under Section 112.204(c).          Sec. 112.204.  SECURITY. (a)  A high-speed rail operator   shall, in the manner required by law for Amtrak, as defined by 49   U.S.C. Section 24301, including by implementing any measures   required by regulations or guidelines adopted for Amtrak by the   Transportation Security Administration or a successor agency:                (1)  establish secured areas;                (2)  operate security screening stations; and                (3)  provide on-board security for the entire rail   line.          (b)  A high-speed rail operator shall collect and   investigate security threat reports submitted by members of the   public.          (c)  A high-speed rail operator shall:                (1)  designate employees who are managers or   supervisors and whose position description, job duties, or   assignment includes emergency management responsibilities; and                (2)  require those employees to complete the emergency   management training described by Section 418.005, Government Code.          (d)  A high-speed rail operator may not use the services of a   peace officer employed by this state or a political subdivision of   this state unless the operator compensates the state or political   subdivision, as applicable, for the officer's time.          Sec. 112.205.  COORDINATION WITH OTHER ENTITIES. (a)  A   high-speed rail operator shall coordinate security activities and   investigations with local law enforcement agencies, including by   communicating about credible threats, major events, and vulnerable   places along the rail line or on a train.          (b)  A high-speed rail operator shall communicate as   appropriate with the state Emergency Management Council and the   Texas Division of Emergency Management about security issues.          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, 2017.     * * * * *