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.