BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 215
By: Zbranek
03-08-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

V.T.C.S. Article 6675a Section 5k(f) indicates that the prices for
various specialty license plates ranges from $3 to $10 per year. 
The military veterans are given, through the state, the opportunity
to purchase special license plates that depict a variety of
symbols, awards, or events that have special military or historical
significance.  These plates are available for a fee (on a per year
basis) that range from $3.00 for a "Pearl Harbor Survivor" plate to
$10 for other Armed Services plates.  This disparity in price has
made some veterans feel that one area of service was being
considered more important by the State than others.

PURPOSE

This bill proposes that all specialty license plates that depict
military symbols, awards, or events be a uniform price of $3.00 per
year.  This bill also specifically exempts those license plates
depicting the State Capitol from the price of $3.00.

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.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 88, General Laws, Acts of the 41st
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, 1929 (Article 5k(f), Vernon's
Texas Civil Statutes) by making all special license plates, except
those depicting the capitol, $3.00 a year.

SECTION 2. Sets the effective date as September 1, 1995 and states
that the law only applies to registration that occurs after the
effective date.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Pursuant to a public notice posted on February 16, 1995 at 4:56
p.m., the House Committee on Transportation met in a public hearing
on Wednesday, February 22, 1995 at 2:00 p.m. in Room E1.014 of the
Capitol Extension and was called to order at 2:09 p.m. by the
Chair, Representative Clyde Alexander to consider House Bill 215. 
No one testified for, against, or neutrally on the measure. 
Chairman Alexander left House Bill 215 pending before the
Committee.  On Wednesday March 8, 1995 at 2:00 p.m., the House
Committee on Transportation met in a public hearing in Room E1.014
of the Capitol Extension.  The Chair laid out House Bill 215.  
Representative Uher moved that the Committee report House Bill 215,
without amendments, to the full House with the recommendation that
it do pass.  The motion prevailed by a count of Ayes (7), Nayes
(0), Absent (2), Present Not Voting (0).