87R3303 DRS-D

By: Metcalf H.B. No. 1158

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the inclusion of a nonprofit attraction on a specific information logo sign.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 391.001, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (10) and amending Subdivision (12) to read as follows:

(10) "Nonprofit attraction" means an establishment, including a museum, monument, or park, that:

(A) is exempt from income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, by being listed under Section 501(c)(3) of that code; and

(B) meets the criteria established by the department by rule under Section 391.093(i).

(12) "Specific information logo sign" means a rectangular sign imprinted with:

(A) the words "GAS," "FOOD," "LODGING," "CAMPING," [or] "24 HOUR Rx," or "ATTRACTION" or with a combination of those words;[,] and

(B) the specific brand names of commercial establishments offering those services or names of nonprofit attractions, as applicable.

SECTION 2. Section 391.091(b-1), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b-1) A contract under this section shall provide for:

(1) the assessment of fees to be paid to a contractor by a commercial establishment or nonprofit attraction eligible for display on the specific information logo sign; and

(2) remittance to the department of at least 10 percent of the fees collected by the contractor.

SECTION 3. Section 391.093, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1), (a-2), and (i) to read as follows:

(a) A commercial establishment, to be eligible to have its name displayed on a specific information logo sign, must:

(1) provide gas, food, lodging, camping, or pharmacy services; and

(2) be located not more than three miles from an interchange on an eligible highway.

(a-1) A nonprofit attraction, to be eligible to have its name displayed on a specific information logo sign, must be located not more than three miles from an interchange on an eligible highway.

(a-2) If no commercial establishment or nonprofit attraction [service] participating or willing to participate in the specific information logo sign program is located within three miles of an interchange, the commission may grant permits for commercial establishments and nonprofit attractions located not farther than:

(1) six miles from the interchange;

(2) nine miles from the interchange if no establishment or attraction [service] participating or willing to participate in the program is located within six miles from the interchange;

(3) 12 miles from the interchange if no establishment or attraction [service] participating or willing to participate in the program is located within nine miles of the interchange; or

(4) 15 miles from the interchange if no establishment or attraction [service] participating or willing to participate in the program is located within 12 miles of the interchange.

(i) The department by rule shall establish criteria for establishments that are eligible for inclusion as nonprofit attractions on specific information logo signs.

SECTION 4. Sections 391.094 and 391.095, Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:

Sec. 391.094. DUTY NOT TO DISCRIMINATE. A commercial establishment or nonprofit attraction identified on a specific information logo sign shall conform to all applicable laws concerning the provision of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, sex, or national origin.

Sec. 391.095. PLACEMENT OF SIGNS. (a) The contractor installing a specific information logo sign shall place the sign so that:

(1) the sign is at least 800 feet from the previous interchange and at least 800 feet from the exit direction sign at the interchange from which the commercial establishment or nonprofit attraction is accessible [services are available];

(2) two signs having the same legend are at least 800 feet apart, but are not excessively spaced; and

(3) a motorist, after following the sign, can conveniently reenter the highway and continue in the original direction of travel.

(b) A specific information logo sign that is placed along a ramp or at a ramp terminal must be a duplicate of the corresponding [establishment] logo sign located at an interchange, except that the ramp sign must:

(1) be smaller;

(2) include the distance to the commercial establishment or nonprofit attraction; and

(3) include directional arrows instead of directions shown in words.

(c) If the commercial establishment or nonprofit attraction is [service facilities are] not visible from an interchange ramp terminal, additional signs may be placed along the ramp or at the ramp terminal.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.