BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1272

By: Phillips

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Preston Trail, later known as Old Preston Road, was the North Texas part of an ancient Indian trail extending from Mexico through Central Texas and all the way to what is now Missouri.  Preston Trail became part of the first official Texas military road in 1839.  Currently, Preston Road and State Highway 289 have been paved near the original Preston Trail. 

H.B. 1272 designates State Highway 289 as the Preston Trail Highway. 

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

H.B. 1272 amends the Transportation Code to designate State Highway 289 as the Preston Trail Highway.  The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to design and construct markers indicating the highway number, the designation as the Preston Trail Highway, and any other appropriate information and to erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway. The bill makes these requirements subject to a grant or donation of funds to TxDOT to cover the costs of designing and constructing the markers. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.