SRC-JJJ H.B. 2760 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2760
76R8620 DWS-DBy: Moreno, Joe (Gallegos)
Infrastructure
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Texas law permits the Texas Department of Transportation to issue
specialized license plates, some of which commemorate groups that have made
special contributions to the state and nation.  Persons who have served in
the merchant marine of the United States have never been honored by the
State of Texas in this way.  The merchant marine has played an active role
in the United States  wars and military conflicts, and a vital part in
American and Texas history.  H.B. 2760 would establish specialized license
plates for certain persons retired from service in the merchant marine of
the United States. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2760 establishes specialized license plates for certain
persons retired from service in the merchant marine of the United States. 

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
502.2581, as follows: 

Sec. 502.2581.  PERSONS RETIRED FROM SERVICE IN MERCHANT MARINE OF THE
UNITED STATES.  Requires the Texas Department of Transportation
(department) to issue specially designed license plates for passenger cars
and light trucks owned by persons who served in the merchant marine of the
United States, and as a part of that service assisted the activities of the
United States during a war or other military conflict.  Requires the issued
license plates to be of a color, quality, and design approved by the
department. Requires the department to issue the license plates to a person
who fulfills certain requirements.  Authorizes a person to be issued only
one set of license plates and is entitled to only one exemption from the
required fee.  Provides that if the owner of a registered vehicle disposes
of the vehicle during the registration year, the owner shall return the
special license plates to the department.  Authorizes the owner to then
apply for issuance of those plates to another vehicle. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.