BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 957

By: Alvarado

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Harris County Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez was killed in March of 2022, while attempting to stop three men from stealing a catalytic converter. Deputy Almendarez had served with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for 23 years and was assigned to the Auto Theft Task Force. S.B. 957 seeks to honor the life and service of Harris County Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez by designating a portion of U.S. Highway 59 in his name.

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

S.B. 957 amends the Transportation Code to designate the portion of U.S. Highway 59 in Harris County between its intersection with Little York Road and its intersection with State Highway Loop 8 as the Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez Memorial Highway. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to a grant or donation of funds, to design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information and to erect a marker at appropriate sites along the highway.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.