BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2181

By: Faircloth

Transportation

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note the many ambitious accomplishments that have characterized the life of George P. Mitchell and the steadfast work ethic that he has demonstrated in school, in work, and in military service. This undeniable work ethic propelled Mitchell in his endeavors as he pursued the betterment of Texas through his work in the energy business, where his legacy endures, helping to drive a boom in oil and gas production. His wife, Cynthia Mitchell, also has created her own legacy as a dedicated supporter of the arts, educational initiatives, and humanitarian issues. Through their foundation, the Mitchells have spearheaded efforts to create better communities in cities across Texas. Given George and Cynthia Mitchell's contributions to Texas, the parties contend that it is time to show the state's appreciation for all of their efforts with a special, fitting tribute. C.S.H.B. 2181 seeks to provide a memorial designation in honor of George and Cynthia Mitchell.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

C.S.H.B. 2181 amends the Transportation Code to designate the structure on Interstate Highway 45 that connects Galveston Island to the Texas mainland and is commonly known as the Galveston Causeway as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway, in addition to any other designation. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to the department's receipt of a grant or a donation of funds, to design and construct markers indicating the designation as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway and any other appropriate information and to erect a marker at each end of the causeway.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.H.B. 2181 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

INTRODUCED	HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 225.103 to read as follows: Sec. 225.103.  GEORGE AND CYNTHIA MITCHELL CAUSEWAY.  (a)  The structure on Interstate Highway 45 that connects Galveston Island to the Texas mainland and is commonly known as the Galveston Causeway is designated as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Causeway.  The designation is in addition to any other designation. (b)  Subject to Section 225.021(c), the department shall: (1)  design and construct markers indicating the designation as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Causeway and any other appropriate information; and (2)  erect a marker at each end of the causeway.	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 225.103 to read as follows: Sec. 225.103.  GEORGE AND CYNTHIA MITCHELL MEMORIAL CAUSEWAY.  (a)  The structure on Interstate Highway 45 that connects Galveston Island to the Texas mainland and is commonly known as the Galveston Causeway is designated as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway.  The designation is in addition to any other designation. (b)  Subject to Section 225.021(c), the department shall: (1)  design and construct markers indicating the designation as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway and any other appropriate information; and (2)  erect a marker at each end of the causeway.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2015.	SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.