BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1242
	By: Guillen (Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy")
	Transportation
	5/8/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Memorial Highways are a way to honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country and communities. Ernesto Soliz Cantu was a respected figure in Brooks County, known for his contribution to the United States during the Vietnam War and his role as a community leader. H.B. 1242 would designate a portion of U.S. Highway 281 in his honor to serve as a tribute to his legacy and lasting impact. The memorial designation would run between County Road 304 and Huppergate Road in Brooks County. H.B. 1242 amends the Transportation Code by adding Section 225.243, which designates a portion of U.S. Highway 281 as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway and authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers recognizing the designation.

H.B. 1242 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu 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 225.251, as follows:

Sec. 225.251. ERNESTO SOLIZ CANTU MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of U.S. Highway 281 in Brooks County between its intersection with County Road 304 and Huppergate Road is designated as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu 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 costs), to design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway and any other appropriate information and erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.