SRC-AMY S.B. 439 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 439
78R4495 JRJ-DBy: Lindsay
Infrastructure Development and Security
2/26/2003
As Filed


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. As proposed, 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 Section 502.409, Transportation Code, as follows:
 
Sec. 502.409.  New heading: 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.