H.B. No. 3611 amends the Transportation Code to establish civil penalties for unauthorized signs placed on the right-of-way of public roads. The bill introduces new definitions, clarifying that "person" includes various entities such as employees and independent contractors, and expands the definition of "sign" to encompass a broader range of advertising and informational displays. It specifies that individuals who place or commission the placement of such signs may be liable for civil penalties, provided they receive written notice from the applicable political subdivision and fail to remove the sign within a specified period.

The bill outlines a structured penalty system, where the maximum civil penalty for a first violation is set at $1,000, with subsequent violations incurring higher penalties of $2,500 for a second violation and $5,000 for a third or subsequent violation. It also allows district, county, or municipal attorneys to sue for the collection of these penalties. The changes in law will only apply to violations occurring on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 393.007 (Transportation Code 393)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 393.001, Transportation Code 393.007 (Transportation Code 393)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 393.001, Transportation Code 393.007 (Transportation Code 393)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 393.001, Transportation Code 393.007 (Transportation Code 393)
Enrolled: Transportation Code 393.001, Transportation Code 393.007 (Transportation Code 393)