According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the fiscal implications of HB 1722 are minimal. The analysis concludes that there would be no significant fiscal impact on the State of Texas. This determination is based on the assumption that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) could implement the bill’s requirements using its existing resources, without the need for additional appropriations or new expenditures​.

In practice, this means that while TxDOT may need to adjust some of its internal review or access control procedures to comply with the new restrictions, the scope of those changes is not expected to require substantial new funding. This is likely because the bill does not mandate new infrastructure or personnel but rather modifies decision-making criteria regarding access to properties adjacent to state-controlled right-of-way areas.

Moreover, no fiscal impact is anticipated for local governments. This is consistent with the bill’s focus on limiting TxDOT’s authority over access rights, which is a state-level responsibility. Local road systems and jurisdictions are unaffected by the provisions in H.B. 1722, and thus no cost burden would shift to cities or counties.

In sum, while the bill potentially increases administrative considerations for TxDOT in reviewing or defending access rights, the overall financial burden is negligible. This low fiscal impact strengthens the bill’s feasibility from a budgetary standpoint, aligning well with principles of efficient governance.

HB 1722 is a property access rights bill that strengthens individual liberty and private property protections without expanding the role of government or imposing new fiscal or regulatory burdens. The legislation was introduced in response to growing concerns from property owners whose longstanding access to land or infrastructure, such as signage, utility connections, or farm equipment, has been restricted after the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) assumed control over adjacent roadways. In some cases, these restrictions have led to expensive modifications or the forced removal of improvements. HB 1722 corrects this by prohibiting TxDOT from restricting access to property that (1) is adjacent to a highway right-of-way, (2) was legally accessible before TxDOT assumed authority, and (3) was acquired or developed prior to that assumption of control.

Importantly, the bill does not grow the size or scope of government. It does not create any new programs, agencies, or regulatory functions—instead, it limits the state's administrative authority in a way that protects property owners from arbitrary changes in access policy. The bill also ensures that TxDOT retains its legal authority to acquire property through established channels, such as purchase or condemnation, preserving necessary state powers while preventing overreach.

There is no increased burden on taxpayers, as confirmed by the Legislative Budget Board, which determined that any costs associated with implementing the bill could be absorbed within existing resources. Likewise, local governments would not face any fiscal impact, and the bill contains no mandates that would require spending or operational changes at the local level.

The bill also does not increase the regulatory burden on individuals or businesses. Rather, it reduces uncertainty for landowners by securing their right to maintain established access to property. No additional compliance obligations, fees, or restrictions are introduced, and no rulemaking authority is expanded.

In summary, HB 1722 advances the core liberty principles of individual liberty, private property rights, and limited government, while avoiding any expansion of regulatory authority or fiscal responsibility. It is a well-calibrated response to a real-world problem, and for these reasons, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on HB 1722.

• Individual Liberty: Being able to freely access and use property you own or lease is a basic form of liberty. This bill ensures that individuals aren’t arbitrarily blocked from doing so just because a different agency starts managing a road. It protects people's ability to maintain their livelihoods—whether they’re running a farm, business, or simply trying to live on their land.
• Personal Responsibility: This bill acknowledges and respects the choices made by property owners who have developed or maintained land under existing laws. It ensures they are not penalized for government changes they had no control over. The legislation empowers individuals by ensuring their past responsible decisions, like building infrastructure or installing utilities, are protected from sudden, bureaucratic interference.
• Free Enterprise: Access restrictions can hurt business operations, especially rural, agricultural, or roadside enterprises. By safeguarding property access, this bill helps protect economic activity and the free flow of commerce. It prevents regulations that might force businesses to close, relocate, or spend thousands to comply with new access limitations.
• Private Property Rights: This is where the bill shines. At its core, the bill protects property owners and lessees from having their access taken away simply because the state (TxDOT) assumes control over a nearby road. Access is a fundamental part of property ownership—if you can't reach your land, its value and use are undermined. By preserving long-established legal access, the bill reinforces the idea that the government shouldn't interfere with your ability to use land you've acquired and developed in good faith.
• Limited Government: The bill limits TxDOT’s ability to impose new access restrictions without formal action, such as purchase or eminent domain. It draws a clear line: the government can still acquire land legally, but it cannot casually override longstanding access rights. This promotes a restrained, accountable role for government agencies, ensuring that bureaucratic rule changes don’t silently erode individual freedoms.