BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1913
88R8692 MZM-F	By: Spiller (Birdwell)
	Transportation
	5/11/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Sergeant Barbara Fenley was killed while trying to evacuate residents during the Eastland Complex Fires. These fires raged and burned over 100,000 acres; Sergeant Fenley was killed while returning to check on an elderly resident. Representative Spiller has filed H.B. 1913 which would designate a portion of FM Road 2526 in Eastland County as the Sergeant Barbara Fenley Memorial Highway. This road is in Senator Birdwell's district, and the Texas Municipal Police Association sent the request for this sponsorship.

This dedication of a portion of FM Road 2526 in H.B. 1913 would serve to commemorate the sacrifice made by Sergeant Fenley. She made the ultimate sacrifice to serve her community, and this bill would memorialize her name in the district.

H.B. 1913 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of Farm to Market Road 2526 in Eastland County as the Sergeant Barbara Fenley Memorial Highway.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, by adding Section 225.217, as follows:

Sec. 225.217. SERGEANT BARBARA FENLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of Farm to Market Road 2526 in Eastland County between its intersection with State Highway 6 and its intersection with Farm to Market Road 2689 is designated as the Sergeant Barbara Fenley Memorial Highway. Provides that the designation is in addition to any other designation.

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), subject to Section 225.021(c) (relating to prohibiting TxDOT from designing, constructing, or erecting a marker unless a grant or donation of funds is made to cover the cost), to:

(1) design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Sergeant Barbara Fenley Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information; and

(2) erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023. �