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.