SRC-AXB S.B. 1900 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1900 76R14013 WP-FBy: Harris State Affairs 5/9/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, many Texans support and appreciate pregnant women who give up their babies for adoption. For a price ranging from three to 50 dollars, Texans can purchase special license plates to show support for certain organizations or endeavors. S.B. 1900 creates provisions for the creation of a "Choose Life" license plate to provide Texans with an opportunity to express their appreciation for the women who make the challenging decision to give up their babies for adoption, and provides that fees for the license plates help organizations that assist these women. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1900 creates provisions for the issuance of a "Choose Life" license plate. 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 502.298, as follows: Sec. 502.298. CHOOSE LIFE LICENSE PLATES. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to issue specially designed license plates that include the words, "Choose Life." Sets forth qualifications for an individual to receive such a license plate. Requires TxDOT to deposit $20 from each fee to the credit of the department of human services assistance operating fund. Limits the use of such money to fund services such as counseling and meeting the physical needs of pregnant women who are committed to placing their children for adoption. Provides that the Texas Department of Human Services is responsible for overseeing the expenditure of such money. Requires the owner of a "Choose Life" license plate to return it to TxDOT, under certain conditions. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.