House Bill No. 3461 amends the Transportation Code to establish new regulations regarding memorial markers and designations on highways in Texas. The bill defines a "victim" as a person killed in a highway collision while operating or riding a motorcycle, explicitly excluding individuals who were under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances at the time of the incident. It mandates that memorial signs include a motorcyclist safety message, which will be developed by the commission, along with the phrase "In Memory Of" and the name of the victim(s) and the date of the collision.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is responsible for the repair and maintenance of these markers, but it introduces a limitation on repairs or replacements after the 10th anniversary of the marker's erection unless funds are donated for such purposes. This provision applies only to markers established after January 1, 2025. The Texas Transportation Commission is required to adopt the necessary rules by December 1, 2025, but TxDOT will not be obligated to comply with the new regulations until March 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 201.911, Transportation Code 225.021 (Transportation Code 201, Transportation Code 225)