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


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 2760
By: Moreno, Joe (Gallegos)
State Affairs
5/14/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


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.  C.S.H.B. 2760 would establish specialized
license plates for persons retired from service in the merchant marine of
the United States. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 2760 establishes specialized license plates for
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
502.2585, as follows: 

Sec. 502.2585.  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.  Requires the plates to include the wording "merchant
marine."  Requires the department to issue the license plates to certain
individuals. Requires the department to send a portion of the proceeds to
certain county funds and for the county treasurer to use the funds to pay
the cost of administering this section.  Authorizes a person to be issued
only one set of license plates.  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.