SB1709

TxDOT must design and construct four designation markers and place them at the two ends and appropriate intermediate sites, subject to the existing funding condition. Section 225.021(c) prohibits design, construction or erection until a grant or donation covers those costs. The law’s passage is therefore not proof that the markers are installed or funded. Existing law also provides for marker repair/replacement and maintenance. Final law; Marker funding condition.

The introduced, Senate committee and Senate-passed text did not specify a number of markers. The House committee substitute added “four,” and that number remained in the final law. The Senate concurred in the House change on May 26. The amendment index lists no separate floor amendments; the substantive change is visible in the House substitute, not a separately indexed floor proposal. Introduced; Senate committee; Senate-passed; House substitute; Final law; Version index; Amendment index.

Compare the published text versions in the official text index. A change is not attributed to a specific amendment here without a verified record.

The designation gives the road segment an additional name and potential markers for residents and travelers. Donors or grant providers must cover initial marker costs before the required work proceeds; the act does not guarantee tourism revenue, safety improvements or new road capacity. Final law; Marker funding condition.

The March 20 introduced and May 15 House-substitute fiscal notes anticipate no significant state fiscal impact, assume costs can be absorbed using existing resources, and anticipate no local-government fiscal impact. Neither estimates a dollar cost for the four markers. The act makes no appropriation and does not remove the grant/donation prerequisite. Introduced fiscal note; House-substitute fiscal note; Final law.