BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 137
79R17850 MFC-D By: Paxton (Nelson)
Transportation & Homeland Security
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In our nation’s history there have been only 43 presidents; four of those 43 were either born in or established their political careers in Texas. 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 66 state welcome signs along roadways entering the state.
C.S.H.B. 137 authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation to erect "Welcome to Texas" signs that contains certain phrases and a depiction of the state flag.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.617, as follows:
Sec. 201.617. "WELCOME TO TEXAS" SIGNS. (a) Authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to erect a "Welcome to Texas" sign to designate the state boundary on an interstate, United States, or state highway entering the state.
(b) Requires a "Welcome to Texas" sign erected by TxDOT to include certain elements, including acknowledgement that Texas is the home of President George W. Bush.
SECTION 2. Requires TxDOT to ensure that a "Welcome to Texas" sign erected by TxDOT before the effective date of this Act complies with this Act not later than January 1, 2006.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2005.