✅An Act relating 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

HB 2026

✅ HB 2026: Memorial Highway Honoring Two Fallen Texans

What it says it does:
Designates a section of State Highway 25 in Archer County as the U.S. Army Gary C. and U.S.M.C. Gary S. Johnston Memorial Highway, to honor two generations of local servicemembers who lost their lives in combat.

What it actually changes:
Adds a new section to the Transportation Code directing TxDOT to install highway markers, but only if private donations or grants cover the cost. No tax, funding, or administrative changes.

Who is pushing for it:
Filed by Rep. James Frank, with bipartisan committee support. Supported by veterans’ organizations including the VFW Department of Texas and the American Legion, Department of Texas.

Who benefits:
The Johnston family, the community of Archer County, and Texans who value public remembrance of military sacrifice. There are no corporate or financial beneficiaries.

Why this matters long term:
HB 2026 reflects what transparent legislation can look like, an act of recognition without hidden costs, lobby influence, or structural shifts. It honors service while keeping state spending neutral.

What to watch next:
Future memorial designations should maintain this clean model, privately funded, transparent, and rooted in local support, to prevent symbolic bills from becoming budget liabilities.

Bottom line:
HB 2026 is a clear, community-centered bill that honors two Texans who gave everything for their country. It demonstrates that the Legislature can still pass something that unites rather than divides.

#HB2026 #TexasPolicy #Veterans #ArcherCounty #KnowBeforeYouVote