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.