SRC-AXB S.B. 834 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 834 76R6618 WP-DBy: Cain Infrastructure 3/8/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) "adopt a highway" program contains restrictions which do not allow any message to appear on an adoption sign, including any "memorial message." Many residents in this state have experienced the tragedy of losing loved ones on Texas highways. Allowing these residents to memorialize a loss in such a way that could also serve as a reminder to others of the risks of highway travel would seem appropriate. S.B. 834 requires TxDOT to allow sections of highway to be adopted in memory of an individual, and to erect signs stating that a section of highway is adopted in memory of that chosen individual. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 834 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to allow anti-litter program participants to adopt a section of highway in memory of an individual, and requires TxDOT to establish signs advertising that fact. 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 201K, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.906, as follows: Sec. 201.906. MEMORIAL SIGNS. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation to allow supporters of anti-litter programs to adopt a section of highway in a person's memory, and to place signs on each end of the adopted section indicating the memoriam. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.