Q
What does Texas SB1351 do?
SB1351 designates a specific segment of U. S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo County as the "U.
SB1351
Regular Session
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo County as the U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jose Rodriguez-Lua Memorial Highway.
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
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Compliance Analysis
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: September 1, 2025.
- Compliance Deadline: N/A. There is no mandatory compliance deadline for private entities. Updates to internal routing systems should coincide with physical signage installation.
- Agency Rulemaking: None. TxDOT is not required to promulgate new rules, but will only act to install signage upon receipt of private funding (see Strategic Ambiguities).
Immediate Action Plan
- Logistics & Fleet Managers: Flag U.S. 281 in Hidalgo County in your routing software for a potential nomenclature update post-September 2025.
- Local Facilities: If your physical address is on this corridor, monitor for signage installation. Once signs are erected, update "How to Find Us" guides for vendors.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): If your organization wishes to sponsor the signage to ensure the designation is implemented, contact the TxDOT Pharr District Office immediately to initiate a donation agreement.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
No Impact. This designation does not alter legal descriptions of property, easement agreements, or vendor contracts. Existing Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and insurance policies covering operations in this sector remain valid without amendment.
Hiring/Training
No Impact. No new certifications or personnel training are required.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
No Impact. No new state filings or reporting obligations are created by this statute.
Fees & Costs
Voluntary Only. There are no mandatory fees. However, the state is prohibited from using public funds for the signage. Costs for the design, construction, and installation of the markers must be covered by a grant or donation from a private entity.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
The "Funding Trigger" (Texas Transportation Code § 225.021(c)):
While the law is effective September 1, 2025, the physical change to the highway is conditional. TxDOT will not install the memorial markers unless and until private funding is secured to cover the cost.
- Business Risk: Do not update "Directions" pages or marketing materials prematurely. If funding is delayed, the signs will not exist, creating confusion for vendors or customers navigating to your facility based on the new name. Verify physical installation before updating external communications.
Need Help Understanding Implementation?
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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.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Official Analysis
BILL ANALYSIS
| Senate Research Center | S.B. 1351 |
| 89R11953 CXP-D | By: Hinojosa, Adam; Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy" |
| Transportation | |
| 4/16/2025 | |
| As Filed |
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 1351 designates a portion of U.S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez-Lua Memorial Highway to honor Border Patrol Processing Coordinator Jose Rodriguez-Lua, who was killed in the line of duty on November 1, 2024, after being struck by a drunk driver. Posthumously promoted to Border Patrol Agent, Rodriguez-Lua's dedication to public service and community impact merit permanent recognition. This designation ensures his legacy and sacrifice are remembered.
As proposed, S.B. 1351 amends current law relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez-Lua 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.� JOSE RODRIGUEZ-LUA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY.� (a)� Provides that the portion of U.S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo County between its intersection with Farm-to-Market Road 493 and its intersection with Farm-to-Market Road 88 is designated as the Jose Rodriguez-Lua 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 Jose Rodriguez-Lua 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.
House Sponsor
Bill Text(with markup)
| S.B. No. 1351 | ||
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| relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 in | ||
| Hidalgo County as the U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jose Rodriguez-Lua | ||
| 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 225.243 to read as follows: | ||
| Sec. 225.243. U.S. BORDER PATROL AGENT JOSE RODRIGUEZ-LUA | ||
| MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. (a) The portion of U.S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo | ||
| County between its intersection with Farm-to-Market Road 493 and | ||
| its intersection with Farm-to-Market Road 88 is designated as the | ||
| U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jose Rodriguez-Lua 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 U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jose Rodriguez-Lua | ||
| 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 Robert Nichols, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation |
| FROM: | Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB1351 by Hinojosa, Adam (Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez-Lua Memorial Highway.), As Introduced |
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
| Source Agencies: | 601 Department of Transportation |
| LBB Staff: | JMc, AAL, TG |
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Related by Topic
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- SB1895Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway Loop 88 in Lubbock County as the First Responders Memorial Loop.
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Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SB1351
Q
Who authored SB1351?
SB1351 was authored by Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa during the Regular Session.
Q
When was SB1351 signed into law?
SB1351 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce SB1351?
SB1351 is enforced by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Q
How urgent is compliance with SB1351?
The compliance urgency for SB1351 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
Q
What is the cost impact of SB1351?
The cost impact of SB1351 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does SB1351 address?
SB1351 addresses topics including hidalgo county, highways, law enforcement, jose rodriguez-lua memorial highway and signs.
Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025
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