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.