BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1115

By: King, Phil

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Sergeant Randy Dewayne White was killed in the line of duty when his patrol car was struck by a suspect evading the pursuit of officers attempting to arrest the suspect for a hit-and-run that occurred earlier in the day. Sergeant White was clearing State Highway 114 of traffic ahead of the vehicle pursuit when the accident occurred, helping to save the lives of many other motorists. For his selfless acts, the Bridgeport Police Department posthumously awarded Sergeant White a Medal of Honor, which is given for bravery and valor. To further memorialize Sergeant White's service to his community and state, H.B. 1115 designates a memorial highway in his honor.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1115 amends the Transportation Code to designate the portion of State Highway 114 in Wise County between its intersection with 12 Street within the Bridgeport municipal limits and its intersection with County Road 3330 as the Sergeant Randy D. White Memorial Highway. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to a grant or donation of funds, to design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Sergeant Randy D. White Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information and to erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.