By: Birdwell, et al. S.B. No. 975     (Schubert)           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 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:                (1)  has the same authority granted to the Texas   Department of Transportation under Subchapter B, Chapter 111; and                (2)  shall ensure that rules and standards adopted   under this subchapter are consistent with applicable federal rules,   regulations, and standards.          (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 operator   designated under Section 112.204(c).          Sec. 112.204.  SECURITY. (a)  A high-speed rail operator   shall:                (1)  in the manner required by law for intercity   passenger railroads, implement all security requirements of the   Transportation Security Administration or its successor agency;                (2)  conduct periodic risk-based threat and   vulnerability assessments; and                (3)  in consultation with the Transportation Security   Administration, implement appropriate security measures in   response to results of the assessments, which may include:                      (A)  establishing effective intrusion protection   and access controls for railroad-owned facilities and the rail   corridor;                      (B)  instituting active or passive passenger   screening protocols; and                      (C)  providing appropriate levels of onboard   security for all revenue service trains.          (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 federal, state, and 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 safety and 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.