BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 532
87R1956 AJZ-D	By: Shine (Buckingham)
	Transportation
	5/11/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Bell County Sheriff Deputy John Rhoden passed away on the line of duty on April 26, 2020, when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to place strike strips on the highway to assist Williamson County deputies who were pursuing a stolen vehicle. Deputy Sheriff Rhoden was remembered as a friend to all and loved to help others.

As proposed, H.B. 532 would designate State Highway Loop 121 in Bell County, between its intersection with Interstate Highway 35 and Interstate Highway 14, as the Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden Memorial Highway in addition to any other designation.

Key Provisions:

Adds Section 225.190, Transportation Code, designating State Highway Loop 121 in Bell County between its intersection with Interstate Highway 35 and Interstate Highway 14 as the Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden Memorial Highway in Bell County.

Instructs the Texas Department of Transportation to design, construct, and erect the markers at each end of the highway indicating the designation as the Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden Memorial Highway.

H.B. 532 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway Loop 121 in Bell County as the Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden 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 225.190, as follows:

Sec. 225.190.  DEPUTY SHERIFF JOHN RHODEN MEMORIAL HIGHWAY.� (a)� Provides that the portion of State Highway Loop 121 in Bell County between its intersection with Interstate Highway 35 and its intersection with Interstate Highway 14 is designated as the Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden 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 the grant of a donation of funds made to TxDOT to cover the cost of the marker), to:

(1)  design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden 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: September 1, 2021.