BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1691
85R8722 AJZ-D	By: Smithee et al. (Seliger)
	Transportation
	5/5/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B.1691 honors the service and numerous achievements of Nelda Laney as a private citizen and her role as wife of former House Speaker James E. "Pete" Laney. This bill designates certain rest areas located in Hale County as the Nelda M. Laney Safety Stops.

H.B. 1691 amends current law relating to the designation of certain rest areas on Interstate Highway 27 in Hale County as the Nelda Laney Safety Stops.

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 Subchapter Y, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.2003, as follows:

Sec. 201.2003. NELDA LANEY SAFETY STOPS. (a) Provides that the northbound and southbound rest areas located on Interstate Highway 27 in Hale County are designated as the Nelda Laney Safety Stops.

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to design and construct markers at each rest area described by Subsection (a) indicating the designation of those rest areas as the Nelda Laney Safety Stops and any other appropriate information.

(c) Requires TxDOT to erect markers at appropriate locations at the rest areas.

(d) Provides that, notwithstanding Subsections (b) and (c), TxDOT is not required to design, construct, or erect a marker under this section unless a grant or donation of private funds is made to TxDOT to cover the cost of the design, construction, and erection of the marker.

(e) Requires that money received under Subsection (d) be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.