SRC-JFA C.S.H.B. 1908 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1908
By: Siebert (Wentworth)
State Affairs
5-8-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, in order to help potential home buyers locate a new
subdivision, builders and developers often place "directional signs" in
the right-of-way of a public road.  Chapter 216, Local Government Code,
gives a municipality the authority to regulate the placement of these
signs within its corporate limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction.  The
City of San Antonio does not regulate these signs because the city is of
the opinion that Section 393.002, Transportation Code, does not authorize
municipalities to do so.  Section 393.002, Transportation Code, prohibits
a person from placing a sign on the right-of-way of a public road unless
the placement is authorized by state law.  This bill would add a new
section to Chapter 393, Transportation Code,  that would prohibit a person
from placing a sign on the right-of-way of a road or highway maintained by
a municipality unless the placement is authorized by the municipality.  
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 1908 adds a new section to Chapter 393,
Transportation Code, to prohibit a person from placing a sign on the
right-of-way of a road or highway maintained by a municipality unless the
placement is authorized by the municipality.  

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 393.002, Transportation Code, to prohibit a
person from placing a sign on the right-of-way of a public road unless the
placement is authorized by state law except as provided by Section
393.0025.  Makes a conforming change.  

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 393, Transportation Code, by adding Section
393.0025, as follows: 

Sec. 393.0025.  MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO REGULATE SIGN PLACEMENT. Prohibits
a person from placing a sign on the right-of-way of a road or highway
maintained by a municipality unless the placement is authorized by the
municipality.   

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. 

Amends Section 393.002, Transportation Code, to revise proposed changes. 

SECTION 2. 

Amends Chapter 393, Transportation Code, to add Section 393.0025.
Redesignates SECTION 2 and SECTION 3, accordingly.