BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 507

By: Perry

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In May 2021, a deadly shooting in Eden, Texas, saw two officers of the Concho County Sheriff's Department tragically killed in the line of duty, Sergeant Stephen Jones and Deputy Samuel Leonard. S.B. 507 seeks to memorialize Deputy Samuel Leonard, his dedicated law enforcement career, and his service to Texas by designating a portion of U.S. Highway 87 in Concho County as the Deputy Samuel Leonard Memorial Highway.

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

S.B. 507 amends the Transportation Code to designate the portion of U.S. Highway 87 in Concho County between its intersection with the Tom Green County line and the western municipal limits of Eden as the Deputy Samuel Leonard Memorial Highway. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to a grant or donation of funds, to do the following:

· design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Deputy Samuel Leonard Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information; and

· erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.