SRC-AMY S.B. 439 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 439 By: Lindsay Infrastructure Development and Security 6/25/2003 Enrolled DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas law does not prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle with obscured license plates. Companies are now marketing products designed to obscure information on license plates to defeat photo radar and enforcement cameras. S.B. 439 prohibits the use of devices designed to obscure license plate information. 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 the heading to Section 502.409, Transportation Code, to read as follows: Sec. 502.409. WRONG, FICTITIOUS, ALTERED, OR OBSCURED LICENSE PLATE. SECTION 2. Amends Section 502.409(a), Transportation Code, to include in the criteria for committing an offense under this section, having a number plate or registration insignia with letter, number, or other identification marks not plainly visible at all times because of blurring or reflective matter, or an attached illuminated device or emblem, as well as sticker, decal, or other insignia that interferes with the letters, numbers, or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered. Includes in the criteria for committing an offense, a coating, covering, or protective material that alters or obscures the letters or number on, the color of, or another original design on the plate. Makes nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 3. (a) and (b) Make application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2003.