Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County as the Veterans Memorial Highway.

BILL ANALYSIS

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

A resolution adopted by the Smith County Commissioners Court, which had been held at the Smith County Courthouse Annex in Tyler, Texas, recognized the invaluable contributions of veterans who have served our nation with honor and sacrifice. The Smith County Commissioners Court fully supports the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 69, extending from South Loop 323 in Tyler to the city limits of Bullard, Texas, as the Veterans Memorial Highway. This designation is being pursued by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans Committee with the support of CAMP V, the go-to resource center for veterans in Smith County, and the East Texas Council of Governments.

We have received requests from our constituents to propose a bill matching these designation requests, which is what this bill addresses. S.B. 1229 proposes that the portion of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County, between its intersection with South State Loop 323 and its intersection with the northern municipal limits of Bullard, be designated as the Veterans Memorial Highway.

As proposed, S.B. 1229 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County as the Veterans 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 225.243, as follows:

Sec. 225.243. VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) Provides the portion of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County between its intersection with South State Loop 323 and its intersection with the northern municipal limits of Bullard is designated as the Veterans 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 Veterans 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 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.