Q
What does Texas HB1242 do?
HB1242 designates a specific segment of U. S. Highway 281 in Brooks County as the "Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.
HB1242
Regular Session
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-05-29
Enforcing Agencies
HB1242
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 281 as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.
Low Urgency
Unanimous Passage
House Vote131 - 0
YEA
100% in favor131 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-05-29Enforcing Agencies
Texas Department of Transportation
Primary Author: Rep. Ryan Guillen
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01
Compliance Analysis
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: May 29, 2025 (Immediate effect upon Governor's signature due to supermajority vote).
- Compliance Deadline: N/A. There are no mandatory compliance actions for businesses.
- Agency Rulemaking: None required. TxDOT will utilize existing engineering standards for sign placement once funding is secured.
Immediate Action Plan
- General Counsel/Compliance: Ensure no internal teams update the company's legal address or registered agent filings based on this news.
- Logistics Managers: Continue using existing route data; this does not change weight limits or highway classification.
- Local Stakeholders (Brooks County): If your organization supports this memorial, contact the local TxDOT district office immediately to obtain a cost estimate and execute the donation agreement.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
No action required. This designation does not alter force majeure clauses, vendor agreements, or logistics contracts.
Hiring/Training
No action required.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
CRITICAL WARNING: Do not update your official registered agent address, billing address, or shipping coordinates to "Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway."
- The designation is honorary.
- The legal postal address remains "U.S. Highway 281."
- Altering your address in official filings may result in service of process failures or logistics delays.
Fees & Costs
Voluntary only. There are no mandatory fees. However, under Texas Transportation Code Section 225.021(c), the state will not pay for the signage. Local stakeholders (Chambers of Commerce, civic groups) must provide a grant or donation to TxDOT to cover fabrication and installation costs if they wish to see the signs erected.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
The "Zombie Law" Provision:
The statute mandates TxDOT to erect signs, but strictly conditions this duty on the receipt of non-state funds. If the community fails to raise the specific amount required by the local TxDOT district engineer, the law remains effective but dormant—no signs will be installed. There is no statutory deadline for when these funds must be raised.
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Schedule ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
03
House Authors
Senate Sponsor
Fiscal NoteView Original
Related Legislation
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
More from Rep. Ryan Guillen
- HB101Relating to creating the Texas State Guard Professionalization Task Force.
- HB1234Relating to certain procedures required for the denial of certain applications for a license to carry a handgun.
- HB1237Relating to the renewal by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of certain expired occupational licenses and registrations.
- HB1238Relating to the inspection of the location of a proposed Class I injection well.
- HB1240Relating to certain governmental operations affecting the border region.
Related by Topic
- HB1708Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 302 in Ector County as the Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez Memorial Highway.
- HB1960Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 345 in San Benito as the Lieutenant Milton Resendez Memorial Highway.
- HB2026Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 25 in Archer County as the U.S. Army Gary C. and U.S.M.C. Gary S. Johnston Memorial Highway.
- HB2061Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 242 in Montgomery County as the Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez Memorial Bridge.
- HB2198Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HB1242
Q
Who authored HB1242?
HB1242 was authored by Texas Representative Ryan Guillen during the Regular Session.
Q
When was HB1242 signed into law?
HB1242 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce HB1242?
HB1242 is enforced by Texas Department of Transportation.
Q
How urgent is compliance with HB1242?
The compliance urgency for HB1242 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
Q
What is the cost impact of HB1242?
The cost impact of HB1242 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does HB1242 address?
HB1242 addresses topics including highways, brooks county, ernesto soliz cantu memorial highway, transportation, texas department of and signs.
Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025
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