BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1691

By: Smithee

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note the honorable service and numerous achievements of Nelda Laney as a private citizen as well as in her role as wife of former House Speaker James E. "Pete" Laney. H.B. 1691 seeks to recognize Mrs. Laney's contributions to her community and to the State of Texas by designating certain rest areas located in Hale County as the Nelda Laney Safety Stops.

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

H.B. 1691 amends the Transportation Code to designate the northbound and southbound rest areas located on Interstate Highway 27 in Hale County as the Nelda Laney Safety Stops. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to a grant or donation of private funds to cover the costs, to design and construct markers at each rest area indicating the designation of those rest areas as the Nelda Laney Safety Stops and any other appropriate information and to erect markers at appropriate locations at the rest areas. The bill requires such a grant or donation to be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.