🟩Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 287 in Wilbarger County as the Molly Mullens Mile.

HB 2457

✅ HB 2457: Honoring a Local Life and Highway Safety

What it says it does:
Names a stretch of U.S. Highway 287 in Wilbarger County the “Molly Mullens Mile,” in memory of nine-year-old Molly Mullens, who was killed in a head-on crash on that road in 2024.

What it actually changes:
Authorizes TxDOT to install highway markers at each end of the designated area, funded through donations or grants rather than public money. No changes to tax, funding, or oversight law.

Who is pushing for it:
Authored by Rep. Morgan Meyer with support from the Mullens family, local officials, and Sen. Phil King in the Senate.

Who benefits:
The Mullens family and Wilbarger County community. Drivers gain a safer, better-marked stretch of road. TxDOT’s safety improvements receive public recognition.

Why this matters long term:
This bill shows how regular Texans can work with lawmakers to turn tragedy into action. The safety changes that inspired this memorial could serve as a model for improving other high-risk highways before more lives are lost.

Bottom line:
HB 2457 is a clean, symbolic bill that honors a child’s life and a family’s push for safer roads. It’s a reminder that public policy can still reflect compassion and community without hidden costs or political motives.