SRC-HRD S.B. 156 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 156 By: Nixon Agriculture 2-11-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas law does not provide for the placement of signs marking and providing directional information to locations of major agricultural interest. S.B. 156 authorizes the placement of signs for sights of major agricultural interest, including Christmas tree farms and other agricultural interests, along eligible urban and rural highways. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 156 authorizes the placement of major agricultural interest guide signs to designate and provide directional information to locations of major agricultural interests throughout the state. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Transportation Commission under SECTION 3 (Sec. 391.0931(b), Transportation Code), of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 391.001, Transportation Code, by adding Subdivisions (15) and (16), to define "major agricultural interest guide sign," and "major agriculture interest." SECTION 2. Amends the heading of Chapter 391D, Transportation Code, as follows: SUBCHAPTER D. New heading: INFORMATION LOGO SIGNS SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 391D, Transportation Code, by adding Section 391.0931, as follows: Sec. 391.0931. MAJOR AGRICULTURAL INTEREST GUIDE SIGNS. Requires the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) to establish a program that allows the erection and maintenance of major agricultural interest guide signs at appropriate locations along eligible urban and other highways, unless the commission determines there is a conflict with federal law. Requires the commission to adopt rules regulating the content, composition, placement, erection, and maintenance of major agricultural interest guide signs and supports with eligible urban and other highway rights-of-way. Sets forth provisions regarding sign placement. Requires a major agricultural interest that has its name displayed on a major agricultural interest guide sign to reimburse the commission for all costs associated with the composition, placement, erection, and maintenance of the sign. Requires the commission to file a copy of the determination, including its reasons for the determination, with the secretary of state for publication in the Texas Register, if the commission makes a determination of conflict under Subsection (a). SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 5. Emergency clause.