C.S.H.B. 3330 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 3330 By: Crownover Transportation Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The specific information logo signs are the blue signs located at the exits of controlled access highways that depict the logo of the commercial services located near that exit. Examples include Holiday Inn, Burger King, Exxon, etc. The Transportation Code, Section 391.092 (a)(1) requires the Transportation Commission to regulate specific information logo signs that are on an "eligible highway". The Transportation Code, Section 391.001 (2) restricts the definition of an "eligible highway" to a highway that is located outside an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more. Currently cities with over 50,000 population can get the logo signs by applying for variances, which are routinely granted by the commission. However, going through the variance process is time consuming and imposes an unnecessary administrative burden for business owners. The Transportation Commission has the authority to regulate the content, composition, placement, erection, and maintenance of specific information logo signs. CSHB 3330 would expand the definition of an "eligible highway" to include a controlled access highway located inside an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more. This bill will increase the number of eligible highways on which these logo signs may be located. TxDOT will continue to have final approval over all specific information logo signs and the bill does not alter or restrict any agency regulation concerning the proper placement of these signs. The purpose of CSHB 3330 is to expand the definition of an "eligible highway" to include a controlled access highway located inside an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS CSHB 3330 amends Section 391.001(2) of the Transportation Code to change the definition of "eligible highway" to add a controlled-access highway located inside an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003 COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE CSHB differs from the original bill in the change it makes to the definition of "eligible highway." CSHB only includes a "controlled access highway", and eliminates a "limited access highway", located inside an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more. This change is to make clear that the change in the definition of "eligible highway" will only include interstate or freeway type highways. CSHB 3330 also removes SECTION 2, SECTION 3, and SECTION 4 from the original bill, all of which related to the authority of the Texas Transportation Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation to contract for the erection and maintenance of specific information logo signs, major shopping area guide signs, and major agricultural interest signs.