BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2053 By: Price (Lucio) State Affairs 5-16-95 Senate Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Article 6675a-3aa, V.T.C.S., designated special plates for exempt vehicles. The issuance of the plate, clear identification of the exempt vehicle, and proper accounting of those receiving exempt plates may reduce abuse and unauthorized use of the exempt license plate system. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2053 requires certification of vehicles upon registration for exempt license plates. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article 6675a-3aa, V.T.C.S., by adding Subsection (g), as follows: (g)(1)-(2) Prohibit the Texas Department of Transportation (department) from issuing exempt license plates for a vehicle that is owned by the U.S., this state, or a political subdivision or by a person other than a governmental entity, unless when application is made for registration, the person who has proper authority to certify to the department that the vehicle qualifies for registration also certifies that on the vehicle is printed, in a certain manner, the name of the entity that has custody of the vehicle. (3) Authorizes a peace officer listed in Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, to seize a vehicle displaying exempt plates if the vehicle is operated on a public highway and not identified in the proper manner. Authorizes a peace officer who seizes a vehicle to require that the vehicle be moved to a certain place. Requires the owner of a seized vehicle to obtain the release of the vehicle to remedy the defect by identifying the vehicle properly or agreeing in writing with the law enforcement agency to provide evidence that the defect has been remedied by identifying the vehicle. (4) Provides that Subdivisions (1) and (2) do not apply to a law enforcement vehicle to which Subsection (f) applies. (5) Provides that an exempt license plate is one issued by the department and marked with the word "exempt." SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.