BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2221

By: Schwertner

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles currently offers several different types of specialty license plates recognizing various professions. While there are multiple plate designs for law enforcement, first responders, and military designations, there is not currently a specialty plate for one of the oldest law enforcement associations in the nation, the Sheriffs' Association of Texas. S.B. 2221 seeks to recognize the service of Texas sheriffs, deputies, jailers, and support staff that work to protect our Texas communities. Funds raised from the sales of these specialty license plates will assist in the association's mission of training and educating sheriffs and their staff, ultimately improving the training and professionalism of their departments.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 2221 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue specialty license plates to honor sheriff's office personnel with the words "Support Your Sheriff's Office" and a depiction of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas logo.

S.B. 2221 requires the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates, after deduction of TxDMV's administrative costs, to be deposited to the credit of an account created by the comptroller of public accounts outside the general revenue fund. The bill limits the use of money deposited to the account to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement making grants to a nonprofit organization that has a history of promoting the training, retention, and professionalism of sheriff's deputies, county jail employees, emergency service center employees, or other positions and offices administered by a sheriff.

S.B. 2221 exempts the license plates from statutory provisions relating to the issuance and manufacture of specialty license plates authorized after January 1, 1999.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.