BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 787
	By: Lucio
	Transportation
	5/24/2021
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 787 would designate Farm-To-Market Road 1479 in Cameron County as the Bobby Morrow Memorial Highway.

Bobby Morrow was known worldwide following the 1956 Summer Olympics, where he won three Olympic gold medals in track. Winning gold medals in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races, Mr. Morrow was one of a kind. His success made him a star, being featured in Sports Illustrated and Texas Monthly, and recognized as Sportsman of the Year and Outstanding Amateur Athlete in the United States. Bobby never got to defend his gold medals in the following Summer Olympics. Following his stellar success, he returned home, where he became an insurance broker, a clothing store owner, and a farmer. His brief success is often overlooked. Renaming FM 1479 as the Bobby Morrow Memorial Highway will keep his name alive for generations to come and inspire kids from the Rio Grande Valley to strive for success. Mr. Morrow passed away on May 30, 2020, in Harlingen, TX.

S.B. 787 amends current law relating to the designation of Farm-to-Market Road 1479 in Cameron County as the Bobby Morrow 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. BOBBY MORROW MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that Farm-to-Market Road 1479 in Cameron County is designated as the Bobby Morrow 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 design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Bobby Morrow Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information, and to erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.