H.B. 943 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 943
By: Krusee
Transportation
 Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

TPWD believes that making conservation license plates available to owners
of trailers, recreational vehicles, farm equipment and semi trucks will
impact revenue in a potentially positive way. HB 1906 in the 76th
Legislature allowed the Texas Parks and Wildlife to develop, market and
implement their conservation license plate program.  Since that time, the
TPWD conservation plates have become some of the most popular specialty
plates on the road in Texas.  

This bill would expand the types of vehicles available for conservation
plates and would open up a large potential customer base.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

This bill would amend Chapter 502 Sections 502.2734 (a), (c), and (g), of
the Transportation Code.  The amendment would allow TXDOT to issue
specially designed conservation plates for passenger cars and light
trucks, as well as: 
1.Trailers used primarily for the transport of watercraft as defined by
Section 49.01, Penal Code (boat trailers) 
2.Vehicles primarily designed as temporary living quarters for
recreational camping or travel use, including travel trailers, travel semi
trailers, camping trailers, camping semi trailers, and motor homes 
3.Farm tractors, farm trailers, and farm semi trailers
4.Truck-tractor, semi trailers, and commercial motor vehicles.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.