BILL ANALYSIS
By: Paxton
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
In our nation’s history there have been only 43 presidents. It is the most exclusive club in the world. Regardless of political party affiliation, it is a matter of pride for a state to be the home of a president. State welcome signs are an appropriate place to highlight a particularly significant point of distinction for the state and being home of the president is one such distinction. Therefore, declaring Texas as the home of President Bush would be an appropriate addition to the sixty-six state welcome signs along roadways entering the state.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the opinion of the author that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. 201.617(a), Transportation Code, establishes the Department of Transportation’s authority to erect Welcome to Texas signs on Interstate and State highways at the state border.
Subsection (b) stipulates that the signs must include a depiction of the state flag, the phrase “Drive Friendly—The Texas Way,” and “Welcome to Texas—Proud to be the home of President George W. Bush.”
SECTION 2. Gives the department until January 1, 2006 to bring signs into compliance with this act.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005