C.S.H.B. 3151 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 3151 By: Bonnen Transportation Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE During this time of threat to the security of our state and nation, citizens search for ways to display their patriotism and support for the war on terrorism. One such citizen, David Paranteau, a graphic artist from Cedar Hill, Texas, went so far as to design a logo reflecting his emotions of September 11, 2001. His "Remember" logo is now seen on many Virginia license plates, as well as helmet decals, bumper stickers, t-shirts, lapel pins and coffee mugs. HB 3151 would authorize the issuance of special license plates bearing the "Remember" logo to honor the victims and heroes of September 11, as well as those continuing the fight against terrorism. Fees collected would be used by the Texas Department of Transportation for disaster preparation and response. 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 HB 3151 adds Section 502.306 to Subchapter F, Chapter 502 of the Transportation Code. This section provides that the Texas Department of Transportation is authorized to issue "Fight Terrorism" license plates for passenger cars and light trucks. The design will bear the "Remember" logo and include a pentagon-shaped border surrounding the date, "9-11-01" with the likeness of the World Trade Center towers forming the "11", the likeness of the United States flag, and the words "Fight Terrorism." Fees collected will be deposited into the state highway fund to be used for disaster preparation and response. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003 COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE The committee substitute of HB 3151 was drafted by Legislative Council and deletes subsection (e) of the original bill. This section addresses the situation of obtaining replacement license plates. It was deleted to avoid redundancy because this issue is already addressed in Section 502.184 of the Transportation Code.