BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1574
87R5862 DRS-D	By: Landgraf; Guillen (Seliger)
	Transportation
	5/10/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) administers a memorial sign program for victims killed in a highway accident involving alcohol or a controlled substance. Current law allows a memorial sign to remain posted for two years. At the end of the two-year period, TxDOT may remove the sign.

H.B. 1574 seeks to extend the posting duration from two years to ten years.

H.B. 1574 amends current law relating to signs posted under the memorial sign program for victims of certain vehicle accidents.

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 Sections 201.909(e), (f), and (g), Transportation Code, as follows:

(e) Authorizes a sign posted under Section 201.909 (Memorial Sign Program) to remain posted for ten years, rather than two years. Authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), at the end of the ten-year period to release the sign to the applicant. Provides that TxDOT is not required to release a sign that has been damaged. Makes a conforming change.

(f) Requires that a sign posted under Section 201.909 that is damaged be removed by TxDOT. Authorizes TxDOT, except as provided in Subsection (g), to post a new sign if it has been less than ten years from the posting of the original sign and a person submits a certain request and fee. Makes a conforming change.

(g)� Requires TxDOT, during the ten-year, rather than two-year, posting period to replace a sign posted under Section 201.909 that is damaged because of TxDOT's negligence.

SECTION 2.� Effective date: September 1, 2021.