H.B. No. 3611 amends the Transportation Code to establish civil penalties for the unauthorized placement of signs on the right-of-way of public roads. The bill introduces new definitions, clarifying that a "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 or entities responsible for placing unauthorized 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 timeframe.
The bill outlines the penalties for violations, setting a maximum of $1,000 for the first offense, $2,500 for a second violation, and $5,000 for any subsequent violations. It also allows district, county, or municipal attorneys to sue for the collection of these penalties. The changes in law will apply only to violations occurring on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any violations prior to this date will be governed by the previous law.
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)