BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1266

81R885 ACP-D                                                                                                               By: Watson

                                                                                                 Transportation & Homeland Security

                                                                                                                                            4/18/2009

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

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.

 

As proposed,  S.B. 1266 prohibits the construction of billboards on State Highway 71 between the western city limits 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.

 

SECTION BY SECTION 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.