BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3568

By: Kleinschmidt

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills was a member of SEAL Team THREE and was later selected to be a naval Special Warfare Development Group Operator and reported for duty on the east coast where he completed  numerous deployments around the world in support of the global war on terrorism. He was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous honors, including two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, a Purple Heart Medal, and many more personal and unit awards and decorations. Chief Petty Officer Mills is survived by his loving wife, his sons and a daughter, his parents, his sister and brother, as well as numerous other family members, friends, and teammates who, thanks to him, know heroes do exist. The entire Bastrop community supports the designation of the structure on Loop 150 in the city of Bastrop connecting the east and west banks of the Colorado River as the Chief Petty Officer (SOC) Stephen "Matt" Mills Bridge. For the purpose of honoring Chief Petty Officer Stephen Mills, H.B. 3568 seeks to make this designation.

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. 3568 amends the Transportation Code to designate the structure on Loop 150 located in the city of Bastrop connecting the east and west banks of the Colorado River as the Chief Petty Officer (SOC) Stephen "Matt" Mills Bridge. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to a grant or donation of funds, to design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Chief Petty Officer (SOC) Stephen "Matt" Mills Bridge and any other appropriate information and to erect a marker at each end of the structure.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.