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.