Sen. Konni Burton, R-Colleyville, filed a bill to slow down the process of building commuter rail projects by adding an additional step—an election.

Burton's Senate Bill 385 would prohibit commuter rail transportation projects from accepting federal funds without holding an election first.

"Given the incentives local governments have to spend tax payer dollars and authorize debt in pursuit of federal funds and the fact that commuter rail projects incur ongoing operating costs, the state has a compelling interest to ensure that citizens weigh in on these important matters through an authorization election," Burton said.

This could impact projects starting after September 1, when the bill would take effect if passed, including any projects operated by Capitol Metro, Houston Metro or Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

One of the witnesses testifying in favor of SB 385 said he would take advantage of the elections, should they occur, to weigh in on any future Capitol Metro projects.

Gary Slagel, who serves on the DART board of directors, had some questions about how far the bill's reach would go.

Slagel said DART held an election in 1983 in which the city approved the building of the initial commuter rail. He asked whether or not building an additional line now would violate Burton's bill.

Many representatives from transit authorities and cities opposed the bill including Capitol Metro, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, the city of Plano, the city of El Paso, the Texas Association of Business, State Farm, Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Plano Chamber of Commerce, Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County and North Texas Commission.

Texans Against High Speed Rail and Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom supported the bill.

The bill was left pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the bill would impact high-speed rail.