Senate committee discusses Paul P. Mendez Memorial Highway and public safety bill

The Senate Committee on Transportation convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals, including two significant bills aimed at honoring local heroes and improving public safety.

The first bill, House Bill 767, introduced by Senator Bettencourt, seeks to designate a section of Texas State Highway 249 in Montgomery County as the Paul P. Mendez Memorial Highway. This tribute honors Colonel Mendez, a distinguished military veteran who served three tours in Vietnam and later became an administrator in Magnolia. Senator Bettencourt emphasized that naming the highway after Colonel Mendez would be a fitting recognition of his contributions to the community and his service to the country. The committee opened the floor for public testimony, but no individuals registered to speak on the bill.

The second bill, House Bill 1672, presented by Senator Johnson, focuses on enhancing public safety by streamlining the enforcement process for motor carriers rated as unsatisfactory by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The bill aims to eliminate an unnecessary administrative delay that currently allows carriers additional time to respond to unsatisfactory ratings before being flagged in the DMV database. Senator Johnson noted that this change would expedite the identification of unsafe vehicles, allowing state troopers to take action more swiftly. Public testimony for this bill also saw no opposition, with only registered support from relevant organizations.

The committee's discussions highlighted a commitment to honoring local heroes and improving safety on Texas roads. Both bills are expected to move forward in the legislative process, reflecting the committee's focus on community recognition and public welfare.