SRC-ARR S.B. 1328 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1328 By: Gallegos Infrastructure 4/25/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (department) is authorized 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 in this manner by the state of Texas. 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. S.B. 1328 would authorize the department to issue a special license plate for persons retired from service in the merchant marine of the United States. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1328 creates a special license plate 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 Department of Transportation (department) to issue specially designed license plates for passenger cars and light trucks owned by persons retired from service in the merchant marine of the United States. Requires the license plates issued under this section to include the words "merchant marine." Requires the department to issue license plates under this section to certain persons. Requires the department to send 50 cents of all fees collected under this section to the county treasurer of the county in which the applicant resides. Requires the county treasurer to credit money received under this section to the general fund of the county to pay for the cost of administering this section. Authorizes a person to be issued only one set of license plates under this section. Requires the owner to return the special plates to the department, if the owner of a vehicle registered under this section disposes of the vehicle during the registration year. 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. Effective date: upon passage.