SRC-HRD H.B. 2997 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2997
By: Jones (Duncan)
State Affairs
5-9-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Under current law, the advertising of alcoholic beverages and
establishments that legally sell  alcohol is prohibited in an area or zone
where the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by law, also known as
"dry" areas.   In some instances, businesses  that are licensed to sell
alcoholic beverages are located on the very edge of a "wet" precinct.
H.B. 2997 would allow such businesses to place billboard advertising in
dry areas under very limited circumstances.  Those limitations include
that the sign must be within 1,500 feet of  the premises being advertised
and an interstate highway must separate the sign and the establishment
being advertised.                                    

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2997 authorizes the placement of a billboard advertising
alcoholic beverages in an area or zone where the sale of alcoholic
beverages is prohibited by law under certain conditions. 
   
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 108.56, Alcoholic Beverage Code, to set forth an
exception. Authorizes a person to erect or maintain a billboard in an area
or zone where the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by law if the
premises that the billboard advertises is located in a county with a
population of 250,000 or less; and the billboard is within 1,500 feet of
the premises that the billboard advertises; and a United States highway
that merges into and becomes an interstate highway separates the premises
and the billboard; or the billboard is located adjacent to a wet precinct
separated by a United States highway that merges into and becomes an
interstate highway in a county with a population of 250,000 or less and
advertises directions to a winery located in the adjacent wet precinct.   

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