Regular Session
Texas Department of Transportation
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
No changes required. This designation does not trigger "change of law" provisions in Master Service Agreements (MSAs), lease agreements, or vendor contracts. The legal description of the roadway remains State Highway 34.
No changes required. Dispatchers and logistics personnel operating in Kaufman County should be briefed on the new name solely for navigational efficiency.
No changes required. Do not update official tax filings, incorporation documents, or regulatory permits. The official address for all state and federal purposes remains "State Highway 34."
Voluntary only. There are no mandatory fees. However, under Section 225.021(c) of the Transportation Code, TxDOT is not obligated to install signage until a grant or donation is received to cover the cost. Local businesses wishing to expedite installation for community relations must fund the project voluntarily.
Funding-Dependent Implementation (Section 225.021(c)):
The law authorizes the signage but does not appropriate state funds for it. The statute explicitly states TxDOT is not required to design or erect the markers unless they receive a donation.
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Schedule 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.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
BILL ANALYSIS |
| H.B. 2198 |
| By: Bell, Keith |
| Transportation |
| Committee Report (Unamended) |
| BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Terrell Police Officer Jacob Candanoza made the ultimate sacrifice on December 8, 2024, when he was shot and killed during a late-night traffic stop on State Highway 34. A devoted husband and father to a five-year-old daughter, Officer Candanoza dedicated his life to service. Before joining the Terrell Police Department on July 15, 2024, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years and later worked as a courtesy patrol technician at the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. In his short but impactful tenure with the Terrell Police Department, he quickly earned the admiration of his peers and had recently been nominated for Rookie of the Year. H.B. 2198 seeks to honor Officer Candanoza and ensure his courage, dedication, and sacrifice are never forgotten by designating a portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| ANALYSIS H.B. 2198 amends the Transportation Code to designate the portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County between its intersection with Kings Creek Drive and its intersection with North Frances Street as the Officer Jacob Candanoza 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 Officer Jacob Candanoza 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. 2198 establishes legislative intent that the provisions added by the bill be renumbered to prevent multiple provisions with the same designation.
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| EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2025.
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| H.B. No. 2198 | ||
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| relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 34 in | ||
| Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway. | ||
| BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: | ||
| SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, | ||
| is amended by adding Section 225.249 to read as follows: | ||
| Sec. 225.249. OFFICER JACOB CANDANOZA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. | ||
| (a) The portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County between its | ||
| intersection with Kings Creek Drive and its intersection with North | ||
| Frances Street is designated as the Officer Jacob Candanoza | ||
| Memorial Highway. The designation is in addition to any other | ||
| designation. | ||
| (b) Subject to Section 225.021(c), the department shall: | ||
| (1) design and construct markers indicating the | ||
| designation as the Officer Jacob Candanoza 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. 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. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. | ||
| TO: | Honorable Tom Craddick, Chair, House Committee on Transportation |
| FROM: | Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB2198 by Bell, Keith (Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.), As Introduced |
| Source Agencies: | 601 Department of Transportation |
| LBB Staff: | JMc, AAL, TG |
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Common questions about HB2198
HB2198 designates a specific segment of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the "Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway," effective May 24, 2025. This is an honorary designation that impacts wayfinding and community relations for local entities but does not legally alter official postal addresses or 9-1-1 emergency designations. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: May 24, 2025 (Immediate effect due to legislative supermajority).
HB2198 was authored by Texas Representative Keith Bell during the Regular Session.
HB2198 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 24, 2025.
HB2198 is enforced by Texas Department of Transportation.
The compliance urgency for HB2198 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
The cost impact of HB2198 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB2198 addresses topics including kaufman county, highways, officer jacob candanoza memorial highway, signs and transportation, texas department of.
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