BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3496

By: Herrero

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

State law currently designates a portion of State Highway 358 in Nueces County as the Peace Officers Memorial Highway in honor of the state's fallen peace officers. Last year, an officer was tragically killed in the line of duty on this highway when he was struck by a drunk driver. There have been calls to extend the designation of the highway to incorporate the portion of the highway where the officer was killed. H.B. 3496 seeks to address this issue by designating the entirety of State Highway 358 in Nueces County as the Peace Officers Memorial Highway.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3496 amends the Transportation Code to designate the entirety of State Highway 358 in Nueces County as the Peace Officers Memorial Highway.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.