BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 946
86R7396 MTB-D	By: Watson
	Transportation
	3/18/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 946 would designate a portion of State Loop 111, known as Airport Boulevard in the City of Austin, as the Richard Overton Memorial Highway.

Mr. Overton was the oldest living WWII veteran, passing away at the age of 112. He volunteered for the United States Army starting in 1942 and served with 188th Aviation Engineer Battalion, an all African-American unit that served on various islands and in the Pacific. He was at Pearl harbor just after the Japanese attack in 1941. Mr. Overton believed that his time in combat helped his segregated unit gain acceptance. After the war, he returned to Austin and worked at a furniture store and as a courier at the state Capitol before retiring in his 80s. As the years passed, �Mr. Overton gained much deserved popularity as he spent most days on his porch at his Austin residence. Mr. Overton will always be known for his service to his state and country as well as his kind spirit that touched the lives of so many.

As proposed, S.B. 946 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of State Loop 111 in Travis County as the Richard Overton Memorial 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 B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, by adding Section 225.152, as follows:

Sec. 225.152. RICHARD OVERTON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of State Loop 111 in Travis County between its northern intersection with Levander Loop and its intersection with Parkwood Road is designated as the Richard Overton Memorial Highway. Provides that the designation is in addition to any other designation.

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), subject to Section 225.021(c) (relating to prohibiting TxDOT from designing, constructing, or erecting a marker unless a grant or donation of funds is made to cover the cost), to:

(1) design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Richard Overton Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information; and

(2) erect a marker at appropriate sites along the loop.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.