TWT H.B. 1478 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS TRANSPORTATION H.B. 1478 By: Bonnen 3-25-97 Committee Report (Amended) BACKGROUND Stephen Fuller Austin, impresario of Austin's colony, was recognized on the occasion of his death in 1836 as the "Father of Texas" by the Republic of Texas President Sam Houston. In 1936, the Texas Legislature once again proclaimed him the "Father of Texas". Texas State Highway 35 in Matagorda and Brazoria counties passes through the site of Austin's original colony. PURPOSE House Bill 1478 designates State Highway 35 in Matagorda and Brazoria counties the Stephen F. Austin Memorial Highway. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is granted the rulemaking authority to design, construct and erect markers indicating that State Highway 35 is designated Stephen F. Austin Highway. The TXDOT is also granted the authority to determine other appropriate information to be included on the signs and where the signs shall be erected. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Transportation Code, by adding Section 225.034. (a) Designates SH 35 in Matagorda and Brazoria counties the Stephen F. Austin Memorial Highway. (b) Directs the TXDOT to design and construct memorial markers indicating the highway number, the designation of the highway, and any other appropriate information. (c) Directs the TXDOT erect the markers at appropriate sites along the highway. SECTION 2. Emergency Clause. Effective upon passage. EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS The amendment removes Harris County leaving the Stephen F. Austin Memorial Highway designation only in Matagorda and Brazoria counties.