SRC-BWC C.S.S.B. 1129 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1129 77R15071 JAT-DBy: Bernsen State Affairs 5/6/2001 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, 44 states have scenic byways programs in place, many of which have been created or reorganized to match the National Scenic Byways Program designation criteria. State scenic byways programs protect and beautify America's roads and byways and provide economic opportunities in tourism and recreation. Federal law provides for a national scenic byways program including the designation of roads, grants and technical assistance, and eligible projects. C.S.S.B. 1129 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of adopting a scenic byways program and report its findings to the 78th Legislature. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to study the feasibility of adopting a scenic byways program in accordance with 23 U.S.C. Section 162 and the department to report the findings of the study to the 78th Legislature not later than January 1, 2003. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Differs from As Filed version by Deleting proposed SECTION 1 and adding a new SECTION 1 that requires the Texas Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of adopting a scenic byways program.