Texas Senate Bill SB 1709

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/27/25
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/27/25
• Voted on by Senate: 4/10/25
• Out of House Committee: 5/15/25
• Voted on by House: 5/21/25
• Governor Action: 6/20/25

Caption

Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm to Market Road 70 in Nueces County as the Los Robles Trail.

Summary

SB 1709 designates a segment of Farm to Market Road 70 in Nueces County, between State Highway 44 and Farm to Market Road 1833, as the "Los Robles Trail." The bill adds a new section to the Texas Transportation Code to create this honorary roadway designation, which is in addition to any existing designation on the route. The Texas Department of Transportation is directed to design and install four markers for the designated route, including markers at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate locations. The bill does not change roadway ownership, traffic rules, funding formulas, or local government authority; it is a commemorative naming measure focused on signage and recognition.

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 225 of the Transportation Code by adding Section 225.244, creating an official state highway designation for part of FM 70 in Nueces County. Its practical legal effect is limited to requiring TxDOT to place and maintain markers for the Los Robles Trail, subject to existing statutory limits on such designations. It affects the state transportation department and travelers on the route, but does not impose substantive regulatory changes beyond the honorary naming.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate unanimously and the House overwhelmingly, with only one nay and two present-not-voting, and the Senate later concurred in the House amendment with a strong majority. The vote pattern suggests general agreement that the roadway designation was a routine commemorative measure.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record, and no committee transcript discussion is provided. The only notable procedural variation was a House amendment followed by Senate concurrence, indicating some technical adjustment rather than policy disagreement. Any opposition appears minimal and not tied to the underlying purpose of naming the roadway.