Advocacy in Action: The Legislative Journey of Senate Bill 1555
Advocacy in Action: The Legislative Journey of Senate Bill 1555
By The Goodman Corporation (TGC)
Leveraging policy, planning, engagement, and funding expertise, TGC helps transform a local priority into legislation, a case study for connecting safety needs with funded solutions.
From Policy Need to Legislative Action
Texas currently ranks second highest in the nation for railroad crossing fatalities. Houston alone has over 5,600 at grade railroad crossings that present real safety risks. In late 2024, tragedy impacted the Houston community when 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez was struck and killed by a train near his southeast Houston community. His death pushed the local community to call for change around railroad safety, reviving long-standing concerns and becoming a legislative action set to address transportation safety at the state level with the introduction of Senate Bill 1555 (SB 1555).
The lasting impact of SB 1555 lies in its policy response: a $350 million state grant program that empowers local communities to eliminate dangerous at-grade rail crossings through grade separation projects. The bill focuses on grade separations on non-TxDOT roadways, which means that cities and counties can pursue safety improvements without competing for highway dollars. The proposed program allows state, local, and federal funding sources to be leveraged creatively and collaboratively, reducing emergency response delays, enhancing economic access, and most importantly, saving lives.
Building Visibility and Support
Legislation does not move on its own. The journey from advocacy into implementable solutions requires strategy, partnerships, and persistence. As SB 1555 gained momentum, TGC played an important role in advancing the bill’s visibility and support among key policymakers.
In February 2025, TGC participated in the Transportation Advocacy Group (TAG) Green Light Houston Transportation Advocacy Day. On recent visits to the Texas Capitol, TGC’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Webb and Senior Associate Madison Graham met directly with key legislators to align regional priorities with legislative activities. Their advocacy work provided insights to state policymakers on transportation safety issues, ensuring the perspectives of local communities were acknowledged and incorporated into policy and funding decisions that impact Texas’ infrastructure.
A student crossing the train track to go to school in December 2024 at Milby High School in Houston. | Source: Yi-Chin Lee/Staff Photographer (Houston Chronicle)
Madison Graham testifies before the Texas House Committee on Transportation in May 2025. | Source: TGC
“Advocacy days like Green Light Houston are essential for connecting regional priorities to state leadership. These conversations help build the relationships and momentum needed to advance transportation funding and resultant solutions.”
The Power of Testimony
As the bill advanced through committee hearings, Graham, also a State Board representative of the American Planning Association Texas Chapter (APATX), returned to the Capitol to testify before the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation in March 2025. Her joint testimony on behalf of both APATX and TAG Houston, during this key step of the bill’s journey, emphasized the importance of addressing transportation safety needs through thoughtful, funded investments.
Transportation Advocacy Update | Source: TGC
“Even one life lost due to preventable infrastructure gaps gives a reason for a call to action. SB 1555 is not just a funding mechanism; it’s a statement from Texas lawmakers that transportation safety is not negotiable. Investments such as these have the power to save lives, and this is a responsibility that we all should take seriously.”
Connecting Capital to Communities
TGC’s mission to connect capital to communities begins with building partnerships for strategic growth and funding pursuit. And in critical matters such as transportation safety, which deeply impact our communities, our mission begins with action-oriented advocacy and expert testimony. SB 1555 is a case study in how local priorities can become statewide solutions.
Our team’s advocacy efforts at the Capitol, backed with technical expertise and commitment to Texas communities, helped bring SB 1555 to the forefront of the decision-making process. In March 2025, the bill unanimously passed the Texas Senate. In May 2025, it passed the House of Representatives and was signed into law.
The Legislative Journey of Senate Bill 1555 | Source: TGC
Let’s Talk Transportation Safety
If your community is facing transportation safety challenges or other critical infrastructure gaps, TGC is ready to help. Our team brings decades of experience navigating state policy, identifying grant opportunities, and developing actionable programs and plans. Reach out to see how we can help you reach your next transportation safety goal.
Featured Services
Featured Projects
TGC has helped clients secure a variety of grants for planning, design, and implementation of safety-related projects. Featured projects and clients include:
County of Doña Ana, NM CRISI + Grade Separation | $32,500,000
Houston-Galveston Sidewalk and Pedestrian Awards | $26,025,000
Greater Northside and International District Safe Streets Project, Harris County, TX | $10,143,000
Houston Area Safety Improvement Projects | $9,103,000
Greater Southeast Management District Grade Separation, Harris County, TX | $666,000
City of Amarillo, TX Safer Streets for Schools | $654,000
County of Doña Ana, NM Safety Action Plan | $400,000
City of Baytown, TX Comprehensive Safety Action Plan | $400,000
For additional information or questions, contact TGC to learn more about our services, our team, and our mission to connect capital to communities across Texas and beyond.