BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2024
	By: Buckingham
	Transportation
	5/23/2019
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS) Trooper Thomas Patrick Nipper passed away in the line of duty on November 4, 2017, when his patrol car caught fire after it was struck from behind at a traffic stop on Interstate 35. Over the course of his 43 years with DPS, Trooper Nipper earned the respect and admiration of his fellow officers, and he was presented with many awards and commendations, including a Field Major's award for his rescue of an abducted child. He was the 220th DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823. Trooper Nipper is survived by his wife Tammy and their three children.

S.B. 2024 would create Trooper Tom Nipper Memorial Highway on Interstate Highway 35 in Bell County between mile marker 294 and mile marker 297. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

S.B. 2024 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of Interstate Highway 35 as the Trooper Tom Nipper 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. TROOPER TOM NIPPER MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of Interstate Highway 35 in Bell County between mile marker 294 and mile marker 297 is designated as the Trooper Tom Nipper 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 Trooper Tom Nipper Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information; and

(2) erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.

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