BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1737

By: Hinojosa

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that the soldiers of the 349th Regiment of the 88th Infantry suffered over 2,400 casualties and over 1,000 soldiers were listed as missing in action during the regiment's triumphant efforts to liberate Rome, Italy, for the allied forces in World War II. S.B. 1737 seeks to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the soldiers who participated in the liberation in the form of a memorial highway designation.

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

S.B. 1737 amends the Transportation Code to designate the portion of State Highway 83 in Hidalgo County between its intersection with North Inspiration Road and its intersection with South Stewart Road as the World War II Veterans 349th Regt. 88th Inf. Div. Memorial Highway. The bill specifies that this designation is in addition to any other designation and requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to a grant or donation of funds, to design and construct markers indicating the designation as the World War II Veterans 349th Regt. 88th Inf. Div. Memorial 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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