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.