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.