BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1497
87R14194 DRS-D	By: Kacal (Schwertner)
	Transportation
	5/17/2021
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

There have been calls to recognize the life and legacy of Dr. Ric Bennett, a beloved husband, father, friend, and veterinarian from Coolidge who practiced in Mexia. H.B. 1497 seeks to provide this recognition by designating a portion of State Highway 171 between Mexia and Coolidge as the Dr. Ric Bennett, DVM, Memorial Highway in his honor.

 

H.B. 1497 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 171 in Limestone County as the Dr. Ric Bennett, DVM, 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. DR. RIC BENNETT, DVM, MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of State Highway 171 in Limestone County between the northern municipal limits of Mexia and its intersection with westbound Farm-to-Market Road 73 within the municipal limits of Coolidge is designated as the Dr. Ric Bennett, DVM, Memorial Highway.

 

(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 Dr. Ric Bennett, DVM, 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. �