BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3510
	By: Wharton (Schwertner)
	Transportation
	5/19/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

As reported by KTBX News 3, on January 15, 2025, Sergeant Mark Butler tragically lost his life in the line of duty while serving with the Navasota Police Department. He selflessly positioned his patrol vehicle to shield other motorists from a suspect fleeing at high speeds on the wrong side of Highway 6, leading to a fatal head-on collision. His courageous actions undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. Before joining law enforcement, Sergeant Butler honorably served in the United States Army. He dedicated nearly four years to the Navasota Police Department, earning the respect of his colleagues and community. He is survived by his wife, Evette Fannin Butler, and their two children, Elias and Ezra. The bill author has informed the committee that members of the community, including the Navasota Police Department, have requested that a portion of State Highway 6 be named in honor of Sergeant Butler and his sacrifice. H.B. 3510 seeks to commemorate Sergeant Butler's unwavering dedication to public safety by designating a portion of State Highway 6 between the southern municipal limits of College Station and the northern municipal limits of Navasota as the Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway.

H.B. 3510 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 6 in Brazos County as the Sergeant Mark Butler 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 225.249, as follows:

Sec. 225.249. SERGEANT MARK BUTLER MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides that the portion of State Highway 6 in Brazos County between the southern municipal limits of College Station and the northern municipal limits of Navasota is designated as the Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway. Provides that the designation is in addition to any other designation.

(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 design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Sergeant Mark Butler 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. Provides that it is the intention of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, that the provisions added by this Act be renumbered to prevent multiple provisions with the same designation.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.