BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2043
86R10329 JRR-D	By: Meza; Anchia (Johnson)
	Transportation
	5/14/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

It has been suggested that designating the portion of State Highway 356 in the municipal limits of Irving as a Texas historic highway will provide certain protections in the area as well as an economic benefit. H.B. 2043 seeks to address this issue by providing for such designation.

The bill expressly does not require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to design, construct, or erect a marker under the bill's provisions unless a grant or donation of funds is made to TxDOT to cover the cost of the design, construction, and erection of the marker. The bill requires money received to cover the cost of the marker to be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

H.B. 2043 amends current law relating to the designation of State Highway 356 in Irving as a historic highway.

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 A, Chapter 442, Government Code, by adding Section 442.033, as follows:

Sec. 442.033. STATE HIGHWAY 356 AS TEXAS HISTORIC HIGHWAY. (a) Requires the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to cooperate with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to designate, interpret, and market the portion of State Highway 356 in the municipal limits of Irving as a Texas historic highway.

(b) Authorizes THC and TxDOT, to supplement revenue available for the purposes under Subsection (a), to pursue federal funds dedicated to highway enhancement.

(c) Prohibits a designation of a portion of State Highway 356 as a Texas historic highway from being construed as a designation under the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. Section 300101 et seq.).

(d) Provides that TxDOT is not required to design, construct, or erect a marker under this section unless a grant or donation of funds is made to TxDOT to cover the cost of the design, construction, and erection of the marker. Requires money received to cover the cost of the marker to be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.