SRC-JRN H.B. 254 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 254
By: Denny (Nelson)
State Affairs
4-30-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

In 1965, Congress passed the Highway Beautification Act.  While the Texas
Department of Transportation is responsible for regulation and maintenance
of outdoor advertising, some small businesses that depend on directional
signs to attract customers or clients may be required to remove the signs
from the highway.  This bill allows small businesses to use directional
signs if the sign is located on private property and is not larger than 50
square feet. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 254 allows small businesses to use directional signs if
the sign is located on private property and is not larger than 50 square
feet. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 394.003, Transportation Code, by adding
Subsection (c), to provide that this chapter does not apply to a
directional sign for a small business, as defined by Section 2006.011,
Government Code, if the sign is on private property and has a surface not
larger than 50 square feet. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.