SRC-BWC S.B. 258 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 258 77R2518 MTB-DBy: Barrientos State Affairs 2/15/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, a wide variety of groups is authorized to purchase specialized license plates related to their profession, but Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel are not able to do so. As proposed, S.B. 258 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to issue specially designed license plates for passenger cars and light trucks owned by EMS personnel. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly 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 502.2681, as follows: Sec. 502.2681. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL. Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to issue specially designed license plates for passenger cars and light trucks owned by emergency medical services personnel certified by the Texas Department of Health under Chapter 773C (Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications), Health and Safety Code. Authorizes a person to apply at any time for registration through the county assessor-collector in which the person resides. Requires the department to prescribe the application form and verify eligibility for registration. Provides that the registration fee and issuance of the special license plate is an annual fee of $4, and in addition to the fee prescribed by Section 502.161 or 501.162, and, if personalized prestige license plates are issued, in addition to the fee prescribed by Section 502.251. Requires the county assessor-collector to send the annual fee to the department to defray the cost of providing the special license plates. Authorizes a person to register for a person's own use and only one vehicle. Requires the return of the license plate to the department if the vehicle is sold, and authorizes the owner to then register another vehicle. Provides that registration is valid for one registration year. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.