BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

S.B. 1266

By: Watson

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

State Highway 71 between the western city limits of Austin and State Highway 16 is a scenic route through the Hill Country.  The view, which attracts tourists and is a financial asset to the area, has no protection from the addition of billboards and no provisions for the regulation of billboards in the corridor.  Currently, many Texas cities restrict or prohibit the construction of billboards, but municipal restrictions do not apply to rural and unincorporated areas.

 

S.B. 1266 amends current law relating to erecting an off-premise sign adjacent to and visible from State Highway 71 between the western city limits of the city of Austin and State Highway 16.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 391.252(a), Transportation Code, to prohibit a person from erecting an off-premise sign that is adjacent to and visible from State Highway 71 between the western city limits of the city of Austin and State Highway 16.  Makes nonsubstantive changes.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2009.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2009.