TWT S.B. 553 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


TRANSPORTATION
S.B. 553
By: Brown (Bonnen, Uher)
4-11-97
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

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 addition, in 1936 the legislature
proclaimed him the "Father of Texas."  Texas State Highway 35 in Matagorda
and Brazoria counties passes through the site of Austin's original colony.
Precedent exists for naming a highway after Stephen F. Austin because the
74th Legislature designated Beltway 8 in Harris County the Sam Houston
Parkway.  

PURPOSE

S.B. 553, as amended, designates State Highway 35 in Matagorda and
Brazoria counties as the Stephen F. Austin Memorial Parkway. 

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 Chapter 225B, Transportation Code, by adding Section
225.034, as follows: 

Sec. 225.034.  STEPHEN F. AUSTIN MEMORIAL HIGHWAY.  Provides that State
Highway 35 in Matagorda, Brazoria, and Harris counties is designated as
the Stephen F. Austin Memorial Highway.  Requires the Texas Department of
Transportation (department) to design and construct memorial markers
indicating the highway number, the designation as the Stephen F. Austin
Memorial Highway, and any other appropriate information. Requires the
department to erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate
intermediate sites along the highway. 

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





EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT #1  deletes Harris County from the designation. Makes
the State Highway 35 in Brazoria and Matagorda counties the Stephen F.
Austin Memorial Highway.