SRC-AXB S.B. 416 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 416 76R4781 DWS-DBy: Lindsay Veterans Affairs & Military Installations 2/19/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, exemption from parking meter fees is granted to disabled veterans and recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Former prisoners of war and Purple Heart recipients, though granted exemption from parking meter fees and time limitations by the Austin City Council, are not granted special parking exemptions from Texas state law. Additionally Pearl Harbor survivors are not exempt. According to 1998 registration data for Texas, there are 17,945 Purple Heart recipients and 319 Pearl Harbor survivors. This tends to create confusion for both the exempted groups and enforcement officials. This bill would grant exemption from parking fees to vehicles with license plates issued under certain sections of the Transportation Code. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 416 exempts from parking fees vehicles of certain veterans or surviving spouses with license plates issued under certain sections of the Transportation Code. 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 Section 681.008, Transportation Code, as follows: Sec. 681.008. New heading: PARKING PRIVILEGES: CERTAIN VETERANS. Exempts certainvehicles with license plates issued under Sections 502.254, 502.255, 502.257, 502.259, or 502.260, from certain parking fees. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.