Texas House Bill HB4165

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the placement of certain highway signs that promote businesses or provide other information.

Impact

The bill specifically indicates that the Department of Transportation must not approve sign placements in areas that are subject to local ordinances identifying them as 'Hill Country Scenic Roadway Corridor' or along highways with an average daily traffic volume of less than 100,000 vehicles. This change reflects a balancing act between promoting local businesses and maintaining the natural beauty of Oklahoma's scenic routes.

Summary

House Bill 4165 aims to regulate the placement of specific highway signs in Texas that are used to promote businesses or provide other relevant information. The bill introduces a new provision to the Transportation Code that restricts the installation of certain types of signs, particularly within designated scenic roadway corridors. This regulation is designed to preserve the aesthetic integrity of these areas while managing the types of signage allowed in regions with lower traffic volumes.

Contention

One potential point of contention related to HB4165 could arise from the impact of such regulations on local businesses, especially those that may rely on visibility from highways with lower traffic counts. Businesses located in these scenic areas might argue that restricting signage limits their potential customer reach, thereby affecting their revenue. Conversely, proponents of the bill may argue that protecting scenic areas ultimately benefits tourism and the local environment, creating a more sustainable economic ecosystem.