BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 957
	By: Alvarado
	Transportation
	5/23/2023
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez was a 23-year veteran with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Before joining the department's auto theft task force, Deputy Almendarez worked as a detention officer and a patrol officer.

Deputy Almendarez was killed on March 31, 2022, when he encountered thieves stealing his vehicle's catalytic converters in a grocery store parking lot. Designating a portion of State Highway 59 as the Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez Memorial Highway will serve as a visible reminder to his community of the importance of his life and dedication to service.

S.B. 957 designates a portion of United States Highway 59 between its intersection with Little York Road and its intersection with State Highway Loop 8 as the Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez Memorial Highway.

S.B. 957 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of United States Highway 59 in Harris County as the Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez 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 225.218, as follows:

Sec. 225.218. DEPUTY SHERIFF DARREN ALMENDAREZ MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of United States Highway 59 in Harris County between its intersection with Little York Road and its intersection with State Highway Loop 8 is designated as the Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez 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:

(1) design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information; and

(2) erect a marker at appropriate sites along the highway.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.