Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
8 more bills that modify the Transportation Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I have worked my way through to the Transportation Code. The Utilities and Water Code will follow.
Blog Summary
HB 1275
HB 1277 - No sidewalk along a highway and pedestrians must walk on the left, facing oncoming traffic.
HB 1305 - a portion of a highway name designation
HB 1368 - a portion of a highway name designation
HB 1633
HB 1778
HB 1846
HB 1885 - variable speed limit
8 more bills that modify the Transportation Code
Published: 2026-05-19
Multiple short modifications
HB 1275 - 2 pages
A procedure must be set out to allow a person who is at least 65 and in possession of a REAL ID complaint driver's license, who then surrenders the license, to obtain identification online or by phone.
HB 1277 - 3 pages
A pedestrian walking along a highway, where there is no sidewalk, must walk facing oncoming traffic. This is not required if it is obstructed or unsafe.
This is what we did in rural areas where I grew up because it meant traffic could see you and you could see them. Of course, there wasn't a ton of traffic in the areas either.
HB 1305 - 2 pages
A portion of State Highway 19 bridge that crosses Lake Fork Reservoir in Rains County is now designated Mildred McMillan Garrett Memorial Bridge.
HB 1368 - 2 pages
A portion of FM 1960 in Harris County that falls between Woodland Hills Drive and Liberty County line is designated Deputy Constable Omar Ursin Memorial Highway.
HB 1633 - 3 pages
If a person has specialty license plates for veterans with disabilities but does not have a disabled parking placard, then it is a misdemeanor to park in handicapped parking. It would be a fine of at least $25 but not more than $200 or not more than 10 hours of community service. Prior convictions increase the punishment.
HB 1778 - 3 pages
Specialty license plates may be issued to a professional sports team that plays its home games in a facility that is constructed or operated, at least in part, with public funds; or owned, at least in part, by a public entity. This incudes National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, or major league baseball teams.
HB 1846 - 2 pages
A holder of a commercial learner's permit issued by a state other than Texas, must be administered a skill test. The results of this test must be sent to the state that issued the learner's permit.
HB 1885 - 3 pages
There may be a variable speed limit set to address inclement weather, congestion, road construction, or other condition that affects safety and orderly movement. A speed limit must be based upon engineering and traffic congestion; may be effective for all or part of a highway; may be effective for any period; may not be less than 10 mph below the actual speed limit; must be posted; and a change notice must be posted not less than 500 feet nor more than 1,000 feet before the change.
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