SRC-HRD S.B. 553 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 553
By: Brown
International Relations, Trade & Technology
2-24-97
As Filed


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, Brazoria, and Harris 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.  This bill would designate State
Highway 35 in Matagorda, Brazoria, and Harris counties the Stephen F.
Austin  Memorial Highway. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 553 designates State Highway 35 in Matagorda, Brazoria,
and Harris 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.