Q
What does Texas HB1242 do?
HB1242 designates a specific segment of U. S. Highway 281 in Brooks County as the "Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.
Signed Into Law
Signed May 29, 2025Effective 2025-05-29
HB1242
Regular Session
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB1242: Government Affairs Overview
HB1242 designates a specific segment of U. S. Highway 281 in Brooks County as the "Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.
Rep. Ryan Guillen·House Bill·Regular Session
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-05-29
Enforcing Agencies
Business Impact
Who HB1242 Affects
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Regulatory Priority: low
Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-05-29). Review during normal business planning.
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Transportation
Affected business types:
- Trucking companies
- Towing operators
- Fleet operators
- Logistics providers
Key Operational Considerations
- 1The designation is honorary.
- 2The legal postal address remains "U.S. Highway 281."
- 3Altering your address in official filings may result in service of process failures or logistics delays.
Estimated Cost Impact
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
Enforcing Agencies
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HB1242
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.
Low Urgency
Unanimous Passage
House Vote131 - 0
YEA
100% in favor131 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-05-29Enforcing Agencies
Texas Department of Transportation
Primary Author: Rep. Ryan Guillen
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01
Compliance Analysis
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: May 29, 2025 (Immediate effect upon Governor's signature due to supermajority vote).
- Compliance Deadline: N/A. There are no mandatory compliance actions for businesses.
- Agency Rulemaking: None required. TxDOT will utilize existing engineering standards for sign placement once funding is secured.
Immediate Action Plan
- General Counsel/Compliance: Ensure no internal teams update the company's legal address or registered agent filings based on this news.
- Logistics Managers: Continue using existing route data; this does not change weight limits or highway classification.
- Local Stakeholders (Brooks County): If your organization supports this memorial, contact the local TxDOT district office immediately to obtain a cost estimate and execute the donation agreement.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
No action required. This designation does not alter force majeure clauses, vendor agreements, or logistics contracts.
Hiring/Training
No action required.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
CRITICAL WARNING: Do not update your official registered agent address, billing address, or shipping coordinates to "Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway."
- The designation is honorary.
- The legal postal address remains "U.S. Highway 281."
- Altering your address in official filings may result in service of process failures or logistics delays.
Fees & Costs
Voluntary only. There are no mandatory fees. However, under Texas Transportation Code Section 225.021(c), the state will not pay for the signage. Local stakeholders (Chambers of Commerce, civic groups) must provide a grant or donation to TxDOT to cover fabrication and installation costs if they wish to see the signs erected.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
The "Zombie Law" Provision:
The statute mandates TxDOT to erect signs, but strictly conditions this duty on the receipt of non-state funds. If the community fails to raise the specific amount required by the local TxDOT district engineer, the law remains effective but dormant—no signs will be installed. There is no statutory deadline for when these funds must be raised.
Need Compliance Guidance on This Legislation?
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
Effective
May 29, 2025
Filed
Nov 12, 2024
Passed House
Apr 25, 2025
Passed Senate
May 19, 2025
Signed
May 29, 2025
Effective
May 29, 2025
03
House Authors
Senate Sponsor
Fiscal NoteView Original
Related Legislation
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More from Rep. Ryan Guillen
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- HB1240Relating to certain governmental operations affecting the border region.
Related by Topic
- HB1708Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 302 in Ector County as the Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez Memorial Highway.
- HB1960Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 345 in San Benito as the Lieutenant Milton Resendez Memorial Highway.
- HB2026Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 25 in Archer County as the U.S. Army Gary C. and U.S.M.C. Gary S. Johnston Memorial Highway.
- HB2061Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 242 in Montgomery County as the Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez Memorial Bridge.
- HB2198Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HB1242
Q
Who authored HB1242?
HB1242 was authored by Texas Representative Ryan Guillen during the Regular Session.
Q
When was HB1242 signed into law?
HB1242 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce HB1242?
HB1242 is enforced by Texas Department of Transportation.
Q
How significant are the changes in HB1242?
The regulatory priority for HB1242 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
Q
What is the cost impact of HB1242?
The cost impact of HB1242 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does HB1242 address?
HB1242 addresses topics including highways, brooks county, ernesto soliz cantu memorial highway, transportation, texas department of and signs.
Q
What are the key dates for HB1242?
Key dates for HB1242: Effective date is 2025-05-29. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
Q
Which Texas businesses are affected by HB1242?
HB1242 primarily affects transportation and logistics companies. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026