SRC-MAX S.B. 557 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 557
By: Armbrister
State Affairs
2-18-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation is  prohibited from
issuing an exempt license plate unless the vehicle has the agency name
printed in the side of the vehicle.  However, Sections 721.003 and
721.005, Transportation Code, exempt certain governmental agency vehicles
from the inscription requirements. 

This bill would clarify the department's authorization to issue regular
plates to law enforcement and other agencies that are exempt from the
inscription requirements under Sections 721.003 or 721.005, Transportation
Code. 
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 557 to establish certain requirements for the issuance
of exempt license plates.  
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Department of Transportation
in SECTION 1 (Secs. 502.201(d) and (g), Transportation Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 502.201, Transportation Code, to require the
Texas Department of Transportation (department), by rule, to provide for
the issuance of specially designated license plates for vehicles that are
exempt by law.  Requires the license plates to bear the word "exempt,"
except as provided by Subsection (g).  Provides that a person who operates
on a public highway a vehicle after the registration, rather than license,
has been revoked is liable for the penalties for failing to register a
vehicle.  Requires the department to provide, by rule, for the issuance of
regularly designed license plates not bearing the word "exempt" for a
vehicle that is exempt by law under certain circumstances. 

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 502E, Transportation Code, by adding Section
502.2015, as follows: 

Sec.  502.2015.  LIMITATION ON ISSUANCE OF EXEMPT LICENSE PLATES; SEIZURE
OF CERTAIN VEHICLES.  Prohibits the department from issuing exempt license
plates for a vehicle owned by the United States, this state, or a
political subdivision of this state unless certain events occur when
application is made for registration of the vehicle. Prohibits the
department from issuing exempt license plates for a vehicle owned by a
person other than the United States, this state, or a political
subdivision of this state unless, when application is made for
registration of the vehicle, the proper authority certifies in writing to
the department that the name of the owner of the vehicle is printed on the
vehicle in a certain manner.  Authorizes a peace officer listed in Article
2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, to seize a motor vehicle displaying
exempt license plates under certain conditions.  Authorizes a peace
officer who seizes a motor vehicle to require the vehicle to be handled in
a certain manner.  Requires the owner of the vehicle, in order to obtain
the release of the vehicle, to perform certain functions.  Provides that
Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a vehicle to which Section
502.201(g) or 502.206 applies.  Defines "exempt license plate." 
 
SECTION 3. (a)  Provides that this Act conforms the Transportation Code to
the changes made by  Chapter 453, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular
Session, 1995.   

(b)  Repealer:  Article 6675a-3aa, V.T.C.S., (Specifically Designated
Plates for Exempt Vehicles). 

(c)  Provides that this Act prevails over another Act of the 75th
Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, relating to nonsubstantive additions
to and corrections in enacted codes. 

SECTION 4. Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.