Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB682

Filed
12/19/24  
Out of Senate Committee
4/16/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/24/25  
Out of House Committee
5/10/25  
Voted on by House
5/15/25  
Governor Action
5/28/25  

Caption

Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 2493 in Smith County as the Captain Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek Memorial Highway.

Impact

The implementation of this bill will not only pay homage to Captain Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek but also serves to enhance public awareness of their service. By officially naming the highway, it allows for annual recognition events and reinforces the community's appreciation for local heroes. The Act becomes effective on September 1, 2025, which will give the Texas Department of Transportation ample time to prepare for the installation of the designated markers along the highway.

Summary

Senate Bill 682 aims to designate a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 2493 in Smith County as the 'Captain Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek Memorial Highway'. This designation is a tribute to the contributions of these individuals and recognizes their roles in the community. The bill specifies the exact section of the highway affected, which stretches between Church Street in Flint and County Road 150, and mandates the installation of appropriate signage to commemorate this honor.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB682 appears to be overwhelmingly positive. With both the Senate and House voting in favor of the bill—unanimously passing it with no opposing votes—it reflects a collective recognition and respect for the contributions made by these individuals as first responders in the community. The discussions surrounding the bill highlight a general consensus on the importance of honoring local heroes and creating spaces that celebrate their legacy.

Contention

While there doesn’t seem to be significant contention surrounding SB682, the absence of opposing viewpoints suggests a strong community backing for the memorial designation. This support indicates a unified stance within the legislature and local constituents regarding the importance of commemorating those who have made sacrifices in the line of duty. The bill's straightforward nature may have contributed to the lack of dissenting opinions during its passage.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Transportation Code

  • Chapter 225. State Highway Names
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 004
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB4173

Identical Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 2493 in Smith County as the Captain Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek Memorial Highway.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3045

Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 517 in Brazoria and Galveston Counties as the Ken Clark Memorial Highway.

TX SB508

Relating to the designation of the portion of Farm-to-Market Road 765 in Concho County as the Sergeant Stephen Jones Memorial Highway.

TX HB1913

Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm to Market Road 2526 in Eastland County as the Sergeant Barbara Fenley Memorial Highway.

TX HB1368

Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 1960 in Harris County as the Deputy Constable Omar Ursin Memorial Highway.

TX HB3672

Relating to the designation of portions of the state highway system as memorial highways for certain deceased peace officers.

TX HB1968

Relating to the designation of a portion of Interstate Highway 35 in Williamson County as the Officer Charles Whites Memorial Highway.

TX HB2590

Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 40 in Lubbock County as The Maines Brothers Band Highway.

TX HB3108

Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm to Market Road 2348 in Titus County as the Army Staff Sergeant Clay Allen Craig Memorial Bridge.

TX HB3106

Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 49 in Titus County as the Titus County WWI Veterans Memorial Highway.

TX HB3099

Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 380 in Wise and Jack Counties as the Lost Battalion Memorial Highway.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.