BILL ANALYSIS
By: Hughes
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Texas Department of Transportation designated US Highway 80 as the "World War II Veterans Memorial Highway" by minute order in 1944. No further action has ever been taken on this designation. CSHB 1645 would place this distinction in statute and allow TxDOT to erect signs along the highway reflecting the designation. World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 1000 per day, and this bill provides a way for us to honor these men and women.
In Texas, US Hwy 80 runs from the Texas-Louisiana border in Harrison County to the intersection of US Hwy 80 and US Hwy 130 in Dallas County. CSHB 1645 designates the portion of US Hwy 80 that travels through Texas the "World War II Veterans Memorial Highway" in honor of the men and women of the greatest generation.
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
SECTION 1. Provides that the portion of US Hwy 80 located in this state is designated the "World War II Veterans Memorial Highway." Directs the Department of Transportation to design and construct appropriate memorial markers indicating the highway number and this designation. Directs the Department of Transportation to erect appropriate signs at each end of the highway as well as at each county line crossed by the highway. The Department of Transportation is not required to design, construct, or erect a marker unless a grant or donation of private funds is made to the department to cover the costs. Any monies received will be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.
SECTION 2. Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute adds language providing that the department is not required to design, construct or erect a marker unless a grant or donation of private funds is made to the department.