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.