By: Canales H.B. No. 4422       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study on enhancing border security outcomes through   public safety, technological, and transportation infrastructure   improvements near Texas-Mexico border crossings.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  DEFINITION. In this Act, "department" means the   Texas Department of Transportation.          SECTION 2.  STUDY. (a)  The department, in consultation with   the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Military   Department, local law enforcement near the Texas-Mexico border,   Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the Southwest Research   Institute, and transportation industry representatives, shall   conduct a study on the public safety, border security, and   modernization of transportation infrastructure from Texas-Mexico   border crossings onto the state highway system for safe, efficient,   and streamlined commercial motor vehicle connectivity that amplify   Operation Lone Star efforts.          (b)  The study shall:                (1)  select multiple Texas-Mexico international border   crossings that serve commercial vehicles for this study;                (2)  analyze current transportation routes for   commercial vehicles from border crossings onto the state highway   system and identify ways to:                      (A)  bolster border security initiatives that   support Operation Lone Star or similar state security efforts;                      (B)  fortify law enforcement response efforts   near border crossings that maximize oversight, inspection, and   public safety resources;                      (C)  enhance transportation road infrastructure   and road technology to maximize the safety of communities and   driving public;                      (D)  reduce traffic congestion along routes while   mitigating safety concerns; and                      (E)  bolster infrastructure and road technology   to improve efficient and streamlined connectivity;                (3)  analyze possible future transportation routes for   greater efficiency in the movement of commercial vehicles from   border crossings onto the state highway system that enhance safety,   mitigate congestion, and streamline connectivity;                (4)  assess current technologies utilized under   existing border security efforts at commercial inspection   facilities at or near border crossings and identify upgrades to or   alternative technologies that may improve border security efforts,                (5)  identify funding strategies and funding amounts to   fill any gaps in transportation needs.          SECTION 3.  REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2024, the   department shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor,   and the legislature a written report on the findings of the study   conducted under this Act and any associated recommendations.          SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 1, 2025.          SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2023.