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.