BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2150
	By: Nichols
	Transportation
	3/24/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

This bill designates a two-mile stretch of US Highway 84 as the Lt. General O. R. "Cotton" Whiddon Memorial Highway. Whiddon is a Stephen F. Austin State University Hall of Fame inductee and served as commanding general for the 8th Infantry division from '85-'87.

As proposed, S.B. 2150 amends current law relating to the designation of the portion of U.S. Highway 84 in Joaquin as the Lt. General O.R. "Cotton" Whiddon 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. LT. GENERAL O.R. "COTTON" WHIDDON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of U.S. Highway 84 in the municipal limits of Joaquin is designated as the Lt. General O.R. "Cotton" Whiddon 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 Lt. General O.R. "Cotton" Whiddon 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.