SRC-DBM H.B. 1227 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1227 76R4436 DWS-DBy: Jones, Jesse (Bernsen) Infrastructure 5/10/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, a "New Millenium" license plate program, the proceeds from which would fund programs promoting reading at public libraries, does not exist. H.B. 1227 would set forth provisions regarding special license plates to support reading programs of public libraries. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1227 sets forth provisions regarding special license plates to support reading programs of public libraries. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 502F, Transportation Code, by adding Section 502.2663, as follows: Sec. 502.2663. NEW MILLENNIUM LICENSE PLATES. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (department), to issue specially designated new millennium license plates for passenger cars and light trucks. Requires the license plate to bear the words "New Millennium" and a certain design. Sets forth certain persons to which the department is required to issue license plates. Sets forth the required annual fees for license plates issued by the department. Authorizes the fee collected under Subsection (d) (1) to be used only to defray the cost of administering this section. Requires the department to deposit each fee collected under Subsection (d) (2) to the credit of an account in the general revenue fund to be known as the new millennium reading program account. Authorizes money from the account to be used only to make grants under Section 441.0092, Government Code. Sets forth composition of the new millennium reading program account. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 441A, Government Code, by adding Section 441.0092, as follows: Sec. 441.0092. NEW MILLENNIUM READING PROGRAM GRANTS. Requires the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (commission), to make grants to fund programs to promote reading provided by public libraries from money in the new millennium reading program account. Sets forth the required actions of the commission. SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4.Emergency clause.