BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1968
88R6280 MZM-D	By: Harris, Caroline (Schwertner)
	Transportation
	5/12/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Officer Charles M. Whites Jr. served his community as an officer with the Round Rock Police Department (RRPD) for 19 years. He served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and SWAT Negotiator. Officer Whites was struck by a vehicle on February 25, 2018, while directing traffic around a crime scene. He would succumb to those injuries on April 27, 2018.

In recognition of his sacrifice in the line of duty, H.B. 1968 posthumously honors Officer Charles Whites by designating the portion of Interstate Highway 35 in Williamson County, between its intersection with State Highway 45 and its intersection with Westinghouse Road, as the Officer Charles Whites Memorial Highway.

H.B. 1968 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of Interstate Highway 35 in Williamson County as the Officer Charles Whites 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 225.217, as follows:

Sec. 225.217. OFFICER CHARLES WHITES MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of Interstate Highway 35 in Williamson County between its intersection with State Highway 45 and its intersection with Westinghouse Road is designated as the Officer Charles Whites Memorial Highway. Provides that the designation is in addition to any other designation.

(b)� Requires that 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 Officer Charles Whites 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, 2023.