BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3510

By: Wharton

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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.

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

H.B. 3510 amends the Transportation Code to designate the portion of State Highway 6 in Brazos County between the southern municipal limits of College Station and the northern municipal limits of Navasota as the Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway, in addition to any other designation. The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation, subject to a grant or donation of funds, to do the following:

· 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.

H.B. 3510 establishes the legislature's intent that the bill's provisions be renumbered to prevent multiple provisions with the same designation.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.