SRC-VRA S.B. 511 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 511 78R5149 MTB-FBy: Nelson Intergovernmental Relations 3/16/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The 77th Texas Legislature directed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to study whether Texas should join the National Scenic Byways Program. TxDOT's study found that the program would provide for the special designation of roads that are aesthetically, culturally, or historically significant and enable Texas to receive additional funding, while allowing local governments to choose whether to participate. As proposed, S.B. 511 requires TxDOT to establish a program for designating highways as State Scenic Byways. 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. Amends Chapter 391I, Transportation Code, by adding Section 391.256, as follows: Sec. 391.256. SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to plan, design, and establish a program for designating highways as State Scenic Byways. (b) Requires TxDOT to perform certain tasks. (c) Authorizes TxDOT to prohibit outdoor advertising according to 23 U.S.C. Section 131(s). SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2003.