By:  Wentworth                                                    S.B. No. 1704

Substitute the following for S.B. No. 1704:                                   

By:  Phillips                                                 C.S.S.B. No. 1704


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the registration of certain vehicles and the issuance of specially designed license plates by the Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subtitle A, Title 7, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Chapter 504 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 504. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 504.001. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this chapter, "commission" and "director" have the meanings assigned by Section 201.001. (b) A word or phrase that is not defined by this chapter but is defined by Section 502.001 has the meaning in this chapter that is assigned by that section. Sec. 504.002. PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY. Unless expressly provided by this chapter or by department rule: (1) any vehicle is eligible to be issued specialty license plates, provided that the department may vary the design of a license plate to accommodate or reflect its use on a motor vehicle other than a passenger car or light truck; (2) an application for specialty license plates must be submitted in the manner specified by the department, provided that if issuance of a specialty license plate is limited to particular persons or motor vehicles, the application must be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant or the applicant's vehicle is eligible; (3) the fee for issuance of a specialty license plate is in addition to each other fee that is paid for or at the time of the registration of the motor vehicle and shall be deposited to the credit of state highway fund; (4) each fee described by this chapter is an annual fee, provided that the department may prorate the fee for a specialty license plate fee on a monthly basis to align the license plate fee to the registration period for the motor vehicle for which the license plate was issued, and if a fee is prorated, the allocation of the fee by this chapter to an account or fund shall be prorated in proportion; (5) the department is the exclusive owner of the design of each specialty license plate; (6) the director may refuse to issue a specialty license plate with a design or alphanumeric pattern that the director considers potentially objectionable to one or more members of the public and the director's refusal may not be overturned in the absence of an abuse of discretion; (7) for each specialty license plate that is issued through a county tax assessor-collector and for which the department is allocated a portion of a fee for administrative costs, the department shall credit 50 cents from its administrative costs to the county treasurer of the applicable county, who shall credit the money to the general fund of the county to defray the costs to the county of administering this chapter; (8) if a specialty license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, an application for a replacement plate must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by Section 502.184(a)(2); (9) if the owner of a motor vehicle for which a specialty license plate is issued disposes of the vehicle or for any reason ceases to be eligible for that specialty license plate, the owner shall return the specialty license plate to the department; and (10) a person who is issued a specialty license plate may not transfer it to another person or vehicle without first receiving approval from the department. Sec. 504.003. SOUVENIR LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue a souvenir version of any specialty license plate. (b) The fee for a single souvenir license plate is $10. The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund. (c) If the souvenir license plate is personalized, the fee for the plate is $30. Of the fee: (1) $10 shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund; and (2) the remainder shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. (d) A souvenir license plate may not be used on a motor vehicle and is not an insignia of registration for a motor vehicle. Each souvenir license plate must be identified by the department in a way that identifies it to law enforcement officers and others as a souvenir license plate. Sec. 504.004. RULES AND FORMS. The commission may adopt rules and the department may issue forms to implement and administer this chapter.
[Sections 504.005-504.100 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B. PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES
Sec. 504.101. PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue personalized license plates. The department may not issue more than one set of license plates with the same alphanumeric pattern. (b) A personalized license plate may be issued for a registration period only if the applicant submits an application and pays the required fee for the applicable registration period. A person who is issued a personalized license plate has first priority on that license plate for each subsequent registration period for which the person submits a new application for that plate. (c) The fee for issuance of a personalized license plate is $40. (d) The department may not issue a replacement set of personalized license plates to the same person before the sixth anniversary of the date of issuance unless the applicant for issuance of replacement plates pays an additional fee of $30. (e) Of each fee collected by the department under this section: (1) $1.25 shall be used to defray the cost of administering this section; and (2) the remainder shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. Sec. 504.102. PERSONALIZATION OF OTHER SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. Unless expressly prohibited by this chapter or department rule, any specialty license plate issued under this chapter may be personalized. If another specialty license plate is personalized, the fee established by Section 504.101(c) shall be added to the fee for issuance of that specialty license plate. Sec. 504.103. DESIGN AND ALPHANUMERIC PATTERN. The department has sole control over the design, typeface, color, and alphanumeric pattern for a personalized license plate.
[Sections 504.104-504.200 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSE PLATES FOR VEHICLES USED BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Sec. 504.201. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) In this section: (1) "Disability" and "mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate" have the meanings assigned by Section 681.001. (2) "Legally blind" means a condition described by Section 681.001(2)(B) or (C). (b) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that: (1) has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less; and (2) is regularly operated for noncommercial use by or for the transportation of a person with a permanent disability. (c) An owner of a motor vehicle regularly operated by or for the transportation of a person described by Subsection (a) may apply to the department for registration under this section. (d) The initial application for specialty license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement from a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in this state or in a state adjacent to this state or who is authorized by applicable law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the applicant has a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot, the written statement may be issued by a person licensed to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state. In this subsection, "podiatry" has the meaning assigned by Section 681.001. The statement must certify that the person making the application or on whose behalf the application is made is legally blind or has a mobility problem that substantially impairs the person's ability to ambulate. The statement must also certify whether a mobility problem is temporary or permanent. A written statement is not required as acceptable medical proof if: (1) the person with a disability: (A) has had a limb, hand, or foot amputated; or (B) must use a wheelchair; and (2) the applicant and the county assessor-collector processing the application execute an affidavit attesting to the person's disability. (e) A person with a disability may receive: (1) one disabled parking placard under Section 681.002 if the person receives a set of license plates under this section; or (2) two disabled parking placards under Section 681.002 if the person does not receive a set of license plates under this section. (f) A license plate issued under this section must include the symbol of access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its Eleventh World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled. The symbol must be the same size as the numbers on the license plate. (g) In addition to a license plate issued under this section, an eligible person is entitled to be issued a set of the license plates for each motor vehicle owned by the person that has a carrying capacity of two tons or less and is equipped with special equipment that: (1) is designed to allow a person who has lost the use of one or both of the person's legs to operate the vehicle; and (2) is not standard equipment on that type of vehicle for use by a person who has use of both legs. Sec. 504.202. VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Registration under this section is valid for one year. (b) The department shall issue a specialty license plate for a motor vehicle that has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less and that is owned by a veteran of the United States armed forces. A veteran is entitled to register, for the person's own use, two motor vehicles under this section if the person: (1) has suffered, as a result of military service: (A) at least a 50 percent service-connected disability; or (B) a 40 percent service-connected disability because of the amputation of a lower extremity; and (2) receives compensation from the United States because of the disability. (c) An organization may register a motor vehicle under this section if: (1) the vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans of the United States armed forces who have suffered, as a result of military service, a service-connected disability; and (2) the veterans are not charged for the transportation. (d) A statement by the veterans county service officer of the county in which a vehicle described by Subsection (b) is registered or by the Department of Veterans Affairs that a vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans with disabilities without charge is satisfactory proof of eligibility for an organization. (e) License plates issued under this section must include: (1) the letters "DV" as a prefix or suffix to any numeral on the plate; and (2) the words "Disabled Veteran and "U.S. Armed Forces" at the bottom of each license plate. (f) The fee for the first set of license plates is $3. The fee for each additional set of license plates is $15. If a license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, on payment of a $1 fee, the department shall issue a set of replacement plates. Sec. 504.203. ISSUANCE OF DISABLED LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates under this subchapter for a van or bus operated by an institution, facility, or residential retirement community for the elderly or for veterans in which an eligible person resides, including: (1) an institution that holds a license issued under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code; or (2) a facility that holds a license issued under Chapter 246 or 247 of that code. (b) An application for license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement signed by the administrator or manager of the institution, facility, or retirement community certifying that the institution, facility, or retirement community regularly transports, as a part of the services that the institution, facility, or retirement community provides, one or more eligible persons who reside in the institution, facility, or retirement community. The department shall determine the eligibility of the institution, facility, or retirement community on the evidence the applicant provides. (c) The application and eligibility requirements for a license plate under this section are the same as those provided by Sections 504.201 and 504.202, as applicable.
[Sections 504.204-504.300 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER D. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR THE MILITARY
Sec. 504.301. PROVISIONS GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule: (1) the department shall design specialty license plates for the military; and (2) a person is not eligible to be issued a specialty license plate under this subchapter if the person was discharged from the armed forces under conditions less than honorable. Sec. 504.302. SURVIVING SPOUSES OF CERTAIN MILITARY VETERANS. (a) The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for a specialty license plate under this subchapter is entitled to continue to register one vehicle under the applicable section as long as the spouse remains unmarried. (b) An applicant for registration under this section must submit proof of the eligibility of the applicant's deceased spouse for the applicable specialty license plate. (c) A surviving spouse applying for specialty license plates under this section must submit a written statement that the spouse is unmarried. If the surviving spouse is applying for Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, or Purple Heart specialty license plates, the statement must be sworn to by the surviving spouse. Sec. 504.303. MEMBERS OR FORMER MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for active or former members of the United States armed forces. The license plates must designate the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is: (1) $10 for the first set of license plates; and (2) $15 for each additional set of license plates. Sec. 504.304. MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AUXILIARIES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of: (1) the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol; (2) the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; and (3) the Marine Corps League or its auxiliary. (b) The license plates must include the words "Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol," the words "Coast Guard Auxiliary," or the emblem of the Marine Corps League and the words "Marine Corps League," as applicable. (c) The fee for issuance of the license plates is: (1) $10 for the first set of license plates; and (2) $15 for each additional set of license plates. Sec. 504.305. MEMBERS OF TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD, STATE GUARD, OR UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES RESERVES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for: (1) active members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard; (2) retired members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard who have completed 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service; and (3) members of a reserve component of the United States armed forces. (b) The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the adjutant general. The license plates must include the words "Texas Guard" or "Armed Forces Reserve," as applicable. (c) A letter from the United States Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the Department of the Air Force stating that a retired guard member has 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service is satisfactory proof of eligibility. Sec. 504.306. PERSONS RETIRED FROM SERVICE IN MERCHANT MARINE OF THE UNITED STATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons retired from service in the merchant marine of the United States. The license plates must include the words "Merchant Marine." A person may be issued only one set of license plates under this section. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10. Sec. 504.307. AIRBORNE PARACHUTISTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons active and former members of the United States armed services who have: (1) satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of the United States Army Infantry School; or (2) participated in at least one combat parachute jump. (b) The license plates must include a likeness of the parachutist badge authorized by the Department of the Army. (c) The fee for issuance of the license plates is: (1) $10 for the first set of license plates; and (2) $15 for each additional set of license plates. Sec. 504.308. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS MEDAL RECIPIENTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who have received the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal. The license plates must bear a depiction of the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the words "Distinguished Flying Cross" at the bottom of each license plate. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $3. Sec. 504.309. MILITARY ACADEMY LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for persons who: (1) are graduates of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy; and (2) are current or former commissioned officers of the United States armed forces. Sec. 504.310. WORLD WAR II VETERANS. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States or Allied armed forces during World War II. The license plates must include the words "WWII Veteran." Sec. 504.311. KOREAN WAR VETERANS. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after June 26, 1950, and before February 1, 1955. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Korea Veteran." Sec. 504.312. VIETNAM VETERANS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces during: (1) the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; or (2) the period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, in all other cases. (b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "Vietnam Veteran." Sec. 504.313. DESERT SHIELD OR DESERT STORM VETERANS. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after August 1, 1990, and before April 12, 1991. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Desert Storm." Sec. 504.314. ENDURING FREEDOM VETERANS. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed services and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. The license plates must include the words "Enduring Freedom." Sec. 504.315. MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE. (a) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Registration is valid for one year and may be renewed without charge. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is: (1) $3 for the first set of license plates; and (2) $15 for each additional set of license plates. (c) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during a period of conflict with the United States. The license plates must show that the recipient is a former prisoner of war. (d) The department shall issue specialty license plates for survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The license plates must include the words "Pearl Harbor Survivor" and must be consecutively numbered. A person is eligible if the person: (1) served in the United States armed forces; (2) was stationed in the Hawaiian Islands on December 7, 1941; and (3) survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. (e) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded under Title 10, United States Code. The department shall assign the license plate number, and the plates may not be personalized. (f) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Air Force Cross or Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Medal of Honor. The license plates must include the words "Legion of Valor." (g) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Purple Heart. License plates issued under this section must include: (1) the Purple Heart emblem; (2) the words "Purple Heart" at the bottom of each plate; and (3) the letters "PH" as a prefix or suffix to the numerals on the plate if the plate is not personalized.
[Sections 504.316-504.400 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER E. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES WITH
RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION
Sec. 504.401. STATE OFFICIALS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates to a state official. The license plates must include the words "State Official." (b) A state official may be issued three sets of license plates under this section. (c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year. (d) In this section, "state official" means: (1) a member of the legislature; (2) the governor; (3) the lieutenant governor; (4) the attorney general; (5) the commissioner of the General Land Office; (6) the comptroller; (7) a member of the Railroad Commission of Texas; (8) the commissioner of agriculture; (9) the secretary of state; (10) a member of the State Board of Education; or (11) a district attorney. Sec. 504.402. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for members of congress. License plates issued under this section must include the words "U.S. Congress." (b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section. (c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year. Sec. 504.403. STATE AND FEDERAL JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for a current, retired, or visiting state or federal judge. The license plates must include the words "State Judge" or "U.S. Judge," as appropriate. (b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section. (c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year. (d) In this section: (1) "Federal judge" means: (A) a judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; (B) a judge or magistrate of a United States district court; or (C) a judge of a United States bankruptcy court. (2) "State judge" means: (A) a justice of the supreme court; (B) a judge of the court of criminal appeals; (C) a judge of a court of appeals; (D) a district court judge; (E) a presiding judge of an administrative judicial district; or (F) a statutory county court judge. Sec. 504.404. FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current or retired federal administrative law judges. The license plates shall bear the words "U.S. A.L. Judge." (b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section. Sec. 504.405. COUNTY JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current or retired county judges of this state. The license plates shall bear the words "County Judge." (b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section. (c) In this section, "county judge" means the judge of the county court established by Section 15, Article V, Texas Constitution. Sec. 504.406. TEXAS CONSTABLES. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for Texas constables. The license plates shall bear the words "Texas Constable." Sec. 504.407. PEACE OFFICERS WOUNDED OR KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for: (1) a person wounded in the line of duty as a peace officer; or (2) a surviving spouse, parent, brother, sister, or adult child, including an adopted child or stepchild, of a person killed in the line of duty as a peace officer. (b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "To Protect and Serve" above an insignia depicting a yellow rose superimposed over the outline of a badge. (c) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $20. (d) In this section, "peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code. Sec. 504.408. GOLD STAR MOTHERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for the mother of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Gold Star Mother" and a gold star. A person may not be issued more than one set of the license plates at a time. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10. Sec. 504.409. VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for volunteer firefighters certified by: (1) the Texas Commission on Fire Protection; or (2) the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $4. (c) A person may be issued only one set of the license plates. Sec. 504.410. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL. The department shall issue specialty license plates for emergency medical services personnel certified by the Texas Department of health under Subchapter C, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. (c) A person may be issued only one set of the license plates. Sec. 504.411. HONORARY CONSULS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who is an honorary consul authorized by the United States to perform consular duties. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Honorary Consul." (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $40. Sec. 504.412. FOREIGN ORGANIZATION VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an instrumentality established by a foreign government recognized by the United States before January 1, 1979, that is without official representation or diplomatic relations with the United States. The license plates must include the words "Foreign Organization" and shall remain valid for five years. (b) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration. Sec. 504.413. MEMBERS OF AMERICAN LEGION. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of the American Legion. The license plates shall include the words "Still Serving America" and the emblem of the American Legion. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the American Legion. (b) The fee for the license plates is $30. (c) After deduction of $8 to reimburse the department for its administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the American Legion, Department of Texas account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Veterans Commission in making grants to the American Legion Endowment Fund for scholarships and youth programs sponsored by the American Legion, Department of Texas.
[Sections 504.414-504.500 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER F. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES
Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the words "Classic Auto," "Classic Motorcycle," or "Classic Truck" or a similar designation, as appropriate. (b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate. (c) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is $15. Sec. 504.502. CERTAIN EXHIBITION VEHICLES; OFFENSE. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or former military vehicle that: (1) is at least 25 years old, if the vehicle is a passenger car, truck, or motorcycle; (2) is a collector's item; (3) is used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and is not used for regular transportation; and (4) does not carry advertising. (b) The license plates must include the words "Antique Auto," "Antique Truck," "Antique Motorcycle," or "Military Vehicle," as appropriate. (c) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and approved by the department, provided that a passenger car must bear passenger car or truck license plates, and a truck must bear passenger car or truck license plates. The department may require attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate. (d) License plates issued or approved under this section expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance or approval. (e) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is: (1) $10 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured in 1921 or later; or (2) $8 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured before 1921. (f) The department may exempt a former military vehicle from the requirement to display a license plate or registration insignia if the exemption is necessary to maintain the vehicle's accurate military markings. The department may approve an alternative registration insignia that is compatible with the vehicle's original markings. (g) A person entitled to specialty license plates or to department approval under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plate. An owner of a vehicle registered under this subsection who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $5 or more than $200. (h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a vehicle issued license plates under Subsection (a) shall be required to attach and display only one license plate on the rear of the vehicle. (i) In this section, "former military vehicle" means a vehicle, including a trailer, regardless of the vehicle's size, weight, or year of manufacture, that: (1) was manufactured for use in any country's military forces; and (2) is maintained to represent its military design and markings accurately. Sec. 504.503. MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE BUSES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for municipal buses and private buses. The license plates must include the words "City Bus" or "Private Bus," as appropriate. (b) In this section, "private bus" means a bus that: (1) is not operated for hire; and (2) is not classified as a municipal bus or a motor bus. Sec. 504.504. CERTAIN FARM VEHICLES AND DRILLING AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a vehicle described by Subsection (b) or (c). The fee for the license plates is $5. (b) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is used only temporarily on the highways if the vehicle is: (1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross weight of more than 4,000 pounds but not more than 34,000 pounds that is used exclusively to transport: (A) seasonally harvested agricultural products or livestock from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage; or (B) farm supplies from the place of loading to the farm; (2) machinery used exclusively for the purpose of drilling water wells; or (3) construction machinery that is not designed to transport persons or property on a public highway. (c) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is: (1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage; (2) a trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm; or (3) a trailer used exclusively to transport cottonseed without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm or place of processing. (d) A vehicle described by Subsection (b) is exempt from the inspection requirements of Subchapters B and F, Chapter 548. (e) This section does not apply to a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that: (1) is used for hire; (2) has metal tires operating in contact with the highway; (3) is not equipped with an adequate hitch pinned or locked so that it will remain securely engaged to the towing vehicle while in motion; or (4) is not operated and equipped in compliance with all other law. (f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable registration fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502. (g) In this section, the gross weight of a trailer or semitrailer is the combined weight of the vehicle and the load carried on the highway. Sec. 504.505. COTTON VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a single motor vehicle that is: (1) used only to transport seed cotton modules, cotton, cotton burrs, or equipment used in transporting or processing cotton; and (2) not more than 10 feet in width. (b) The license plates must include the words "Cotton Vehicle." (c) The initial fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The license plates may be renewed without payment of a fee. Sec. 504.506. CERTAIN LOG LOADER VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a vehicle that is temporarily operated on public highways, during daylight hours only, and on which machinery is mounted solely to load logs on other vehicles. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $62.50. (c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates. (d) A vehicle having a license plate issued under this section is exempt from the inspection requirements of Chapter 548. (e) This section does not apply to a vehicle used to haul logs. (f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated or moved while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502. Sec. 504.507. FORESTRY VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for forestry vehicles. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Forestry Vehicle." (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The department shall: (1) also collect any additional fee that a county imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle; and (2) send the fee to the appropriate county for disposition. (c) In this section, "forestry vehicle" means a vehicle used exclusively for transporting forest products in their natural state, including logs, debarked logs, untreated ties, stave bolts, plywood bolts, pulpwood billets, wood chips, stumps, sawdust, moss, bark, wood shavings, and property used in production of those products. Sec. 504.508. TOW TRUCKS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a commercial motor vehicle used as a tow truck. The license plates must include the words "Tow Truck." A vehicle used commercially as a tow truck shall display license plates issued under this section. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $15. (c) Proof of eligibility for license plates under this section must include a copy of the registration certificate issued by the department for the tow truck. (d) In this section, "tow truck" means a motor vehicle adapted or used to tow, winch, or otherwise move another motor vehicle. Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio equipment under this section, and the department shall issue license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each vehicle. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $2 for the first year and $1 for each subsequent year. Sec. 504.510. GOLF CART LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an eligible golf cart. (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10. (c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the golf cart without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates. This section does not authorize the operation of a golf cart on a public road where it is otherwise prohibited by law. (d) This section applies only to an owner of a golf cart who resides: (1) on real property that is owned or under the control of the United States Corps of Engineers and is required by that agency to register the owner's golf cart under this chapter; and (2) in a county that borders another state and has a population of more than 110,000 but less than 111,000.
[Sections 504.511-504.600 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER G. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION
Sec. 504.601. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION. Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule: (1) the fee for issuance of a license plate under this subchapter is $30; and (2) of each fee received under this subchapter, the department shall use $8 to defray its administrative costs in complying with this subchapter. Sec. 504.602. KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Keep Texas Beautiful." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be used in connection with the department's litter prevention and community beautification programs. Sec. 504.603. TEXAS CAPITOL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates depicting the State Capitol. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. Sec. 504.604. TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "State of the Arts." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Commission on the Arts. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Commission on the Arts operating fund established under Section 444.027, Government Code. Sec. 504.605. ANIMAL FRIENDLY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Animal Friendly." The department shall design the license plates. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the animal friendly account established by Section 828.014, Health and Safety Code. Sec. 504.606. BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include one or more graphic images of a significant feature of Big Bend National Park. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department and any organization designated by it. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Big Bend National Park account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Parks and Wildlife Department to support the activities of a designated nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the improvement or preservation of Big Bend National Park. Sec. 504.607. READ TO SUCCEED. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Read To Succeed." The department shall design the license plates. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the "Read to Succeed" account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only to provide educational materials for public school libraries. The account is composed of: (1) money required to be deposited to the credit of the account under this subsection; and (2) donations made to the account. Sec. 504.608. TEXAS COMMISSION ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Boy Scouts of America." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Boy Scouts of America. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and may be appropriated only to the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for drug-abuse prevention programs provided by nonprofit organizations that primarily serve children. (c) In selecting a program provider under Subsection (b), it is the intent of the legislature that, to the extent permissible, preference be given to a provider whose membership substantially consists of persons who purchase the specialty license plates. Sec. 504.609. UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "United States Olympic Committee." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the United States Olympic Committee. Sec. 504.610. TEXAS AEROSPACE COMMISSION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Texas Aerospace Commission." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Aerospace Commission. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. Sec. 504.611. VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE PROGRAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in recognition of children. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the attorney general. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the attorney general volunteer advocate program account in the general revenue fund. Money deposited to the credit of the volunteer advocate program account may be used only by the attorney general to fund a contract entered into by the attorney general under Section 264.602, Family Code. Sec. 504.612. TEXAS YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "And Justice for All." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Young Lawyers Association. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the basic civil legal services account established by Section 51.943, Government Code. Sec. 504.613. HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Sec. 504.614. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue specialty license plates that include the name and insignia of a professional sports team located in this state. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the professional sports team and may enter a trademark license with the professional sports team or its league to implement this section. A license plate may be issued under this section only for a professional sports team that: (1) certifies to the department that it has determined that at least 3,500 persons will apply for the plates; and (2) plays its home games in a facility constructed or operated, in whole or in part, with public funds. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be sent to the public entity that provided public funds for the construction or renovation of the facility in which the professional sports team plays its home games or that provides public funds for the operation of that facility. The funds shall be deposited to the credit of the venue project fund, if the public entity has created a venue project fund under Section 334.042 or 335.072, Local Government Code. If the public entity has not created a venue project fund, funds distributed to a public entity under this section must first be used to retire any public debt incurred by the public entity in the construction or acquisition of the facility in which the professional sports team plays its home games. After that debt is retired, funds distributed to the public entity may be spent only for maintenance or improvement of the facility. (c) In this section: (1) "Public entity" includes a municipality, county, industrial development corporation, or special district that is authorized to plan, acquire, establish, develop, construct, or renovate a facility in which a professional sports team plays its home games. (2) "Professional sports team" means a sports team that is a member or an affiliate of a member of the National Football League, National Basketball Association, or National Hockey League or a major league baseball team. Sec. 504.615. COLLEGIATE LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the name and insignia of a college. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the applicable college. The department may issue a license plate under this section only for a college that certifies to the department that it has determined that at least 1,500 persons will apply for the plates. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. The money may be used only for scholarships to students who demonstrate a need for financial assistance under Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rule. (c) If the fee is for the issuance of license plates for a college described by Subsection (e)(1), the money: (1) shall be deposited to the credit of the institution of higher education designated on the license plates; and (2) is supplementary and is not income for purposes of reducinq general revenue appropriations to that institution of higher education. (d) If the fee is for the issuance of license plates for a college described by Subsection (e)(2), the money shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The money: (1) shall be allocated to students at the college designated on the plates; and (2) is in addition to other money that the board may allocate to that college. (e) In this section, "college" means: (1) an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code; or (2) a private college or university described by Section 61.222, Education Code. Sec. 504.616. TEXAS READS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Texas Reads." The department shall design the license plates to incorporate one or more submissions from middle school students in a competition conducted by the department. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Reads account in the general revenue fund. Money from the account may be used only to make grants under Section 441.0092, Government Code. The account is composed of: (1) money required to be deposited to the credit of the account under this subsection; and (2) donations made to the account. Sec. 504.617. TEXAS. IT'S LIKE A WHOLE OTHER COUNTRY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the trademarked Texas patch and the words "Texas. It's Like A Whole Other Country." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Department of Economic Development. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the tourism account in the general revenue fund to finance the Texas Department of Economic Development's tourism activities. Sec. 504.618. CONSERVATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates to support Parks and Wildlife Department activities. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas parks and wildlife capital account established by Section 11.043, Parks and Wildlife Code. Money deposited in the Texas parks and wildlife capital account under this section is supplementary and is not income for the purposes of reducing general revenue appropriations to the Parks and Wildlife Department. Sec. 504.619. TEXAS COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in support of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates: (1) shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund; and (2) may be appropriated only to the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for direct services programs, training, and education. Sec. 504.620. TEXANS CONQUER CANCER LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Texans Conquer Cancer." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Cancer Council. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texans Conquer Cancer account established by Section 102.017, Health and Safety Code. Sec. 504.621. SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Special Olympics Texas." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Special Olympics Texas. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Special Olympics Texas account established by Section 533.018, Health and Safety Code. Sec. 504.622. GIRL SCOUT LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Girl Scouts." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Girl Scout Councils of Texas. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Girl Scout account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit educational projects sponsored by the Girl Scout Councils of Texas. Sec. 504.623. TEXAS YMCA. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in honor of the Young Men's Christian Association. The department shall design the license plates. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the YMCA account established by Section 7.025, Education Code, as added by Chapter 869, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001. Sec. 504.624. 100TH FOOTBALL SEASON OF STEPHEN F. AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in honor of the 100th football season of Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the principal of Stephen F. Austin High School. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be sent to the Texas Education Agency for distribution to the Austin Independent School District to be used only for the benefit of the Austin High School Athletic Department. Sec. 504.625. TEXAS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Go Texan" and the "Go Texan" logo of the Department of Agriculture. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the department shall deposit the remainder of the proceeds to the credit of the "Go Texan" partner program account established by Section 46.008, Agriculture Code. Sec. 504.626. TEXAS CITRUS INDUSTRY. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in honor of the citrus industry in this state. The department shall design the license plates. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the general revenue fund that may be appropriated only to Texas A&M University--Kingsville to provide financial assistance to graduate students in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. Sec. 504.627. WATERFOWL AND WETLAND CONSERVATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including one or more graphic images supplied by the Parks and Wildlife Department. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department and any organization designated by it. (b) After deducting the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Parks and Wildlife Department to support the activities of a designated nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the conservation of waterfowl and wetland. Sec. 504.628. UNITED WE STAND LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "United We Stand" and include only the colors red, white, blue, and black. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Military Preparedness Grant Account in the general revenue fund. Sec. 504.629. TEXAS PGA JUNIOR GOLF LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in honor of Texas PGA Junior Golf. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Texas PGA Junior Golf. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund for use only by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in making grants to benefit Texas PGA Junior Golf to provide scholarships to students. Sec. 504.630. AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Air Force Association." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Air Force Association of Texas. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Air Force Association of Texas account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used by the Texas Veterans Commission in making grants to benefit projects sponsored by the Air Force Association of Texas. Sec. 504.631. TEXAS STATE RIFLE ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates to honor the Texas State Rifle Association. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the general revenue fund that may be appropriated only to the Texas A&M University System to supplement existing and future scholarship programs supported by the Texas State Rifle Association and to provide grants to 4-H Club shooting sports programs to promote safety education. Sec. 504.632. URBAN FORESTRY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates to benefit urban forestry. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with an organization described in Subsection (b). (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the urban forestry account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used by the Texas Forest Service in making grants to support the activities of a nonprofit organization located in Texas whose primary purpose is to sponsor projects involving urban and community: (1) tree planting; (2) tree preservation; and (3) tree education programs. Sec. 504.633. SHARE THE ROAD LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Share the Road" and the image of a bicycle or a bicycle with a rider. The department shall design the plates in consultation with the Texas Bicycle Coalition Education Fund. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited the credit of the share the road account in the state treasury to be used only by the Texas Education Agency to support the activities of a designated nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to promote bicyclist safety, education, and access through: (1) education and awareness programs; and (2) training, workshops, educational materials, and media events. (c) Up to 25 percent of the amount in Subsection (b) may be used to support the activities of the nonprofit organization in marketing and promoting the share the road concept and license plates. Sec. 504.634. SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue San Antonio Missions National Historical Park specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions National Historical Park account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Historical Commission in making grants to Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to be used for the purpose of the preservation and rehabilitation of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Sec. 504.635. EL PASO MISSION VALLEY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue El Paso Mission Valley specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Socorro Mission Restoration Effort. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the El Paso Mission Restoration account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Historical Commission in making grants to the Socorro Mission Restoration Effort to be used for the purpose of the preservation and rehabilitation of the Socorro Mission. Sec. 504.636. COTTON BOLL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates depicting a graphic image of a cotton boll. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Texas Cotton Producers, Inc. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund for use only by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit Texas Cotton Producers, Inc., for the sole purpose of providing scholarships to students who are pursuing a degree in an agricultural field related to the cotton industry while enrolled in an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. Sec. 504.637. DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Native Texan." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Department of Economic Development or its successor agency in making grants to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to be used only for the purpose of: (1) preserving Texas historic sites; or (2) funding educational programs that teach Texas history. Sec. 504.638. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Knights of Columbus" and the emblem of the Order of the Knights of Columbus. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Knights of Columbus. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the State Council Charities account in the general fund. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Education Agency to make grants to State Council Charities to carry out the purposes of that organization. Sec. 504.639. TEXAS MUSIC LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Texas Music." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Austin Music Foundation. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Austin Music Foundation account established by Section 7.026, Education Code. Sec. 504.640. SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Space Shuttle Columbia specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and may be used only by the Texas Aerospace Commission or its successor agency in making grants to benefit the Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas for the purposes of furthering aviation and space activities in Texas and providing Columbia Crew memorial scholarships to students. Sec. 504.641. BE A BLOOD DONOR LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Be a Blood Donor specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Be a Blood Donor account under Section 162.016, Health and Safety Code. Sec. 504.642. TEXAS COUNTY CHILD WELFARE BOARD LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Texas County Child Welfare Boards specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards, Inc. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of a special account for abused and neglected children established at the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services to fund programs and services supporting abused and neglected children under Section 264.004, Family Code. Sec. 504.643. STAR DAY SCHOOL LIBRARY READERS ARE LEADERS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "STAR Day School Library Readers Are Leaders." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance (STAR) Day Foundation. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and used only by the Texas Education Agency in making grants to benefit the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance (STAR) Day Foundation to be used only for the purpose of providing supplementary reading and service programs in partnership with public schools in this state for seventh and eighth grade public school students. Sec. 504.644. MARINE MAMMAL RECOVERY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Marine Mammal Recovery specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Parks and Wildlife Department to support the activities of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network in the recovery, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals. The Parks and Wildlife Department shall establish reporting and other mechanisms necessary to ensure that the money is spent for purposes for which it is dedicated. Sec. 504.645. 4-H LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "To Make the Best Better," the words "Texas 4-H," and the 4-H symbol of the four-leaf clover. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and shall be used only by the Texas Cooperative Extension of the Texas A&M University System for 4-H and Youth Development Programs and to support the Texas Cooperative Extension's activities related to 4-H and Youth Development Programs. Sec. 504.646. SMILE TEXAS STYLE LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Smile Texas Style." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Dental Association. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund to be used only by the Texas Department of Health in making grants to benefit the Texas Dental Association Financial Services for the sole use of providing charitable dental care. Sec. 504.647. FIGHT TERRORISM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Fight Terrorism specialty license plates. The license plates shall include a pentagon-shaped border surrounding: (1) the date "9-11-01" with the likeness of the World Trade Center towers forming the "11"; (2) the likeness of the United States flag; and (3) the words "Fight Terrorism." (b) The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund. Sec. 504.648. GOD BLESS TEXAS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "God Bless Texas" and "God Bless America." (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund and may only be used for the Safe Routes to School Program. (c) The fee for the license plates is $40. Sec. 504.649. TEXAS JUNETEENTH LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Texas Juneteenth specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission in a special account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission for grants to Juneteenth USA to erect a Juneteenth Memorial Monument on the South grounds of the State Capitol, place Juneteenth monuments and markers in various historical parts of Texas, develop a Juneteenth Museum, Cultural, and Educational Institute, Recreation Center, and Park, and otherwise support the activities and projects of Juneteenth USA and its affiliates. Sec. 504.650. KEEPING TEXAS STRONG LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Keeping Texas Strong specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Alliance Education Program account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Education Agency to finance the education programs of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. Sec. 504.651. MARCH OF DIMES LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "March of Dimes." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with March of Dimes Texas Chapter. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Health for use in the Birth Defects Registry. Sec. 504.652. MASTER GARDENER LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the seal of the Texas Master Gardener program of Texas Cooperative Extension. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only by Texas Cooperative Extension for graduate student assistantships within the Texas Master Gardener program and to support Texas Cooperative Extension's activities related to the Texas Master Gardener program. Sec. 504.653. MOTHER-CHILD SURVIVORS EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue mother-child survivors educational scholarship fund specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Texans for Equal Justice. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and may only be used by the attorney general to support the Texans for Equal Justice mother-child survivors educational scholarship fund for educational scholarships to: (1) surviving spouses of homicide victims who have one or more minor children and who need further education to adequately support the family; and (2) surviving children of homicide victims entering an institution of higher education or vocational school for the first time. Sec. 504.654. PRESERVE AMERICA'S BORDERLAND LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Preserve America's Borderland specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Borderlands Heritage Tourism Council. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Department of Economic Development for projects overseen by the Borderlands Heritage Tourism Council. The Texas Department of Economic Development shall establish reporting and other mechanisms necessary to ensure that the money is spent for purposes for which it is dedicated. Sec. 504.655. EAGLE SCOUT LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that bear a depiction of the Eagle Scout medal. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Eagle Scout account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to support projects sponsored by Boy Scout councils in this state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall distribute grants under this section geographically as nearly as possible in proportion to the number of license plates issued under this section in each region of the state. Sec. 504.656. TEJANO MONUMENT LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Tejano Monument specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with The Tejano Monument, Inc. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Tejano Monument account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only by the State Preservation Board to design and erect a Tejano Monument for placement on the Capitol grounds or related educational programs. Sec. 504.657. TEXAS LIONS CAMP LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue Texas Lions Camp specialty license plates. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Lions League for Crippled Children. (b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Lions Camp account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Parks and Wildlife Department to support the activities of a designated nonprofit organization that is accredited by the American Camping Association and is licensed by the Texas Department of Health and whose primary purpose is to provide, without charge, a camp for physically disabled, hearing or vision impaired, and diabetic children who reside in this state, regardless of race, religion, or national origin. The Parks and Wildlife Department shall establish reporting and other mechanisms necessary to ensure that the money is spent only for the purposes for which it is dedicated.
[Sections 504.658-504.700 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER H. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS RELATING TO
SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION
Sec. 504.701. DISCONTINUANCE OF CERTAIN SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. (a) This section applies only to license plates authorized by: (1) Section 504.602; (2) Section 504.603; (3) Section 504.604; (4) Section 504.605; (5) Section 504.606; (6) Section 504.607; (7) Section 504.608; (8) Section 504.609; (9) Section 504.610; (10) Section 504.611; (11) Section 504.612; (12) Section 504.613; (13) Section 504.614; or (14) Section 504.615. (b) Except as provided by Subsections (d) and (e), on or after September 1, 2004, the department may continue to issue license plates to which this section applies only if before that date at least: (1) 3,500 sets of the license plates authorized by the applicable section of this chapter have been issued or presold; (2) $15,000 has been received by the department from the issuance of license plates under that section; or (3) $15,000 has been deposited with the department for the continued issuance of those license plates. (c) If before September 1, 2004, one of the conditions described by Subsection (b) is not met for the license plate, the section that authorizes the issuance of that license plate expires on that date. (d) On or after September 1, 2004, the department may continue to issue license plates under: (1) Section 504.615 for a particular institution of higher education or private college or university only if before that date: (A) 1,500 sets of license plates for the particular institution, college, or university have been issued or presold; (B) $15,000 has been received by the department from the issuance of the license plates for that institution, college, or university; or (C) $15,000 has been deposited with the department for the continued issuance of the license plates for that institution, college, or university; or (2) Section 504.614 for a particular professional sports team only if before that date: (A) 3,500 sets of the license plates for that sports team have been issued or presold; (B) $15,000 has been received by the department from the issuance of license plates for that sports team; or (C) $15,000 has been deposited with the department for the continued issuance of license plates for that sports team. (e) Money deposited with the department under Subsection (b)(3), (d)(1)(C), or (d)(2)(C) shall be returned by the department to the person who made the deposit only after the requisite number of license plates under those subsections are issued or presold. Sec. 504.702. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES AUTHORIZED AFTER JANUARY 1, 1999. (a) This section applies only to specialty license plates that are authorized to be issued by a law that takes effect on or after January 1, 1999. (b) The department may manufacture the specialty license plates only if a request for manufacture of the license plates is filed with the department. The request must be: (1) made on a form adopted by the department; (2) filed before the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the law that authorizes the issuance of the specialty license plates; and (3) accompanied by: (A) a deposit of $15,000; or (B) applications for issuance of at least 3,500 sets of the license plates plus the fees for issuance of that number of sets. (c) Money deposited with the department under Subsection (b)(3)(A) shall be returned to the person who made the deposit only if 3,500 sets of the applicable license plates are issued or presold. (d) If a request is not filed with the department before the date specified by Subsection (b)(2), the law that authorizes the issuance of the specialty license plates expires on that date.
[Sections 504.703-504.800 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER I. DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES
Sec. 504.801. CREATION OF NEW SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES BY THE DEPARTMENT. (a) The department may create new specialty license plates on its own initiative or on receipt of an application from a potential sponsor. A new specialty license plate created under this section must comply with each requirement of Section 504.702 unless the license is created by the department on its own initiative. The department may permit a specialty license plate created under this section to be personalized. The redesign of an existing specialty license plate at the request of a sponsor shall be treated like the issuance of a new specialty license plate, except that the department may require a lower deposit amount to reflect the actual costs of redesigning the license plate. (b) Any person may sponsor a new specialty license plate by submitting an application to the department. An application may nominate a state agency to receive funds derived from the issuance of the license plates. The application may also identify uses to which those funds should be appropriated. (c) The department shall design each new specialty license plate in consultation with the sponsor, if any, that applied for creation of that specialty license plate. The department may refuse to create a new specialty license plate if the design might be offensive to any member of the public, if the nominated state agency does not consent to receipt of the funds derived from issuance of the license plate, if the uses identified for those funds might violate a statute or constitutional provision, or for any other reason established by rule. At the request of the sponsor, distribution of the license plate may be limited by the department. (d) The fee for issuance of license plates authorized under this subchapter is $30. (e) For each fee collected: (1) $8 shall be used to reimburse the department for its administrative costs; and (2) the remainder shall be deposited to the credit of: (A) the specialty license plate fund, an account in the general revenue fund, if the sponsor nominated a state agency to receive the funds; or (B) the state highway fund if the sponsor did not nominate a state agency to receive the funds or if there is no sponsor. (f) Subchapter D, Chapter 316, Government Code, and Section 403.095, Government Code, do not apply to fees collected under this section. (g) The department may report to the legislature at any time concerning implementation of this section. The report may include recommendations concerning the appropriations, by amount, state agency, and uses, that are necessary to implement the requests of sponsors. (h) If a sponsor does not name a state agency to receive the funds or if there is no sponsor, the department may license a trademark for inclusion within the design of the plates and may pay a fee for the trademark license. (i) The department may vary the design of a license plate created under this section to accommodate or reflect its use on a motor vehicle other than a passenger car or light truck.
[Sections 504.802-504.850 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER J. MARKETING OF SPECIALTY
PLATES THROUGH PRIVATE VENDOR
Sec. 504.851. CONTRACT WITH PRIVATE VENDOR. (a) The Texas Transportation Commission may authorize the department to enter into a contract with the private vendor whose proposal is most advantageous to the state as determined from competitive sealed proposals for the marketing and sale of: (1) personalized prestige license plates authorized by Section 504.101; or (2) other specialized license plates authorized by this subchapter. (b) Instead of the fees established by Section 504.101(c), if the Texas Transportation Commission authorizes the department to contract with a private vendor under Subsection (a)(1) for the marketing and sale of personalized prestige license plates, the commission by rule shall establish fees for the issuance or renewal of personalized prestige license plates that are marketed and sold by the private vendor. Fees must be reasonable and not less than the greater of: (1) the amounts necessary to allow the department to recover all costs to the department associated with the evaluation of the competitive sealed proposals received by the department and with the implementation and enforcement of the contract, including direct, indirect, and administrative costs; or (2) the amount established by Section 504.101(c). (c) If the Texas Transportation Commission authorizes the department to contract with a private vendor under Subsection (a)(2) for the marketing and sale of other specialized license plates authorized by this subchapter, including specialized license plates that may be personalized, the commission by rule shall establish the fees for the issuance or renewal of specialized license plates that are marketed and sold by the private vendor. Fees must be reasonable and not less than the amounts necessary to allow the department to recover all costs to the department associated with the evaluation of the competitive sealed proposals received by the department and with the implementation and enforcement of the contract, including direct, indirect, and administrative costs. A fee established under this subsection is in addition to: (1) the registration fee and any optional registration fee prescribed by this chapter for the vehicle for which the specialized license plates are issued; (2) any additional fee prescribed by this subchapter for the issuance of the specialized license plates for that vehicle; and (3) any additional fee prescribed by this subchapter for the issuance of personalized special license plates for that vehicle. (d) At any time, as necessary to comply with Subsection (b) or (c), the Texas Transportation Commission may increase or decrease the amount of a fee established under the applicable subsection. (e) A contract with a private vendor under Subsection (a)(1) is payable only from amounts derived from the collection of the fee established under Subsection (b). A contract with a private vendor under Subsection (a)(2) is payable only from amounts derived from the collection of the fee established under Subsection (c). (f) The department may create new design and color combinations for personalized prestige license plates that are marketed or sold by a private vendor under a contract entered into under Subsection (a)(1). Each approved license plate design and color combination remains the property of the department. (g) The department may create new design and color combinations for specialized license plates, including specialized license plates that may be personalized, that are marketed or sold by a private vendor under a contract entered into under Subsection (a)(2). Each approved license plate design and color combination remains the property of the department. This subsection does not authorize: (1) the department to approve a design or color combination for a specialized license plate that is inconsistent with the design or color combination specified for the license plate by the section of this subchapter that authorizes the issuance of the specialized license plate; or (2) the private vendor to market or sell a specialized license plate with a design or color combination that is inconsistent with the design or color combination specified by that section. (h) In connection with a license plate that is marketed or sold by a private vendor under contract, the department may cancel a license plate or require the discontinuation of a license plate design or color combination at any time if the department determines that the cancellation or discontinuation is in the best interest of this state or the motoring public. (i) A contract entered into by the department with a private vendor under this section: (1) must comply with any law generally applicable to a contract for services entered into by the department; (2) must require the private vendor to render at least quarterly to the department periodic accounts that accurately detail all material transactions, including information reasonably required by the department to support fees that are collected by the vendor, and to regularly remit all money payable to the department under the contract; and (3) may allow or require the private vendor to establish an electronic infrastructure coordinated and compatible with the department's registration system, by which motor vehicle owners may electronically send and receive applications, other documents, or required payments, and that, when secure access is necessary, can be electronically validated by the department. (j) From amounts received by the department, the department shall deposit to the credit of the state highway fund an amount sufficient to enable the department to recover its administrative costs for all license plates issued under this section, including any payments to the vendor under Subsection (a), and any other amounts allocated to the state highway fund by another law. To the extent that disposition of other amounts received from the vendor are governed by another law, those amounts shall be deposited in accordance with the other law, and for each type of license plate, the amount charged for the license plate may not be less than the amount in effect on January 1, 2003. Any additional amount received from the vendor shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. (k) The Texas Transportation Commission may authorize the department to pay a licensing fee for the use of a trademark in connection with the marketing and sale of a license plate under this section. SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Sections 502.0071, 502.0072, 502.0073, 502.0074, 502.0078, and 502.0079 to read as follows: Sec. 502.0071. GOLF CARTS. An owner of a golf cart is not required to register the golf cart if: (1) the operation of the golf cart occurs in the daytime, as defined by Section 541.401; and (2) the operation: (A) does not exceed a distance of two miles from the point of origin to the destination if driven to and from a golf course; (B) occurs entirely within a master planned community with a uniform set of restrictive covenants that has had a plat approved by a county or a municipality; or (C) occurs on a public or private beach. Sec. 502.0072. MANUFACTURED HOUSING. Manufactured housing, as defined by Section 1201.003, Occupations Code, is not a vehicle subject to this chapter. Sec. 502.0073. POWER SWEEPERS. (a) An owner of a power sweeper is not required to register the power sweeper. (b) In this section, "power sweeper" means an implement, with or without motive power, designed for the removal by broom, vacuum, or regenerative air system of debris, dirt, gravel, litter, or sand from asphaltic concrete or cement concrete surfaces, including surfaces of parking lots, roads, streets, highways, and warehouse floors. The term includes a vehicle on which the implement is permanently mounted if the vehicle is used only as a power sweeper. Sec. 502.0074. MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICE. The owner of a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.008, as amended by Chapter 497, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, is not required to register the motorized mobility device. Sec. 502.0078. VEHICLES OPERATED ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY SEPARATING REAL PROPERTY UNDER VEHICLE OWNER'S CONTROL. Where a public highway separates real property under the control of the owner of a motor vehicle, the operation of the motor vehicle by the owner or the owner's agent or employee across the highway is not a use of the motor vehicle on the public highway. Sec. 502.0079. VEHICLES OPERATED BY CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. (a) A nonresident owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides may operate the vehicle to transport persons or property for compensation without being registered in this state, if the person does not exceed two trips in a calendar month and each trip does not exceed four days. (b) A nonresident owner of a privately owned vehicle that is not registered in this state may not make more than five occasional trips in any calendar month into this state using the vehicle. Each occasional trip into this state may not exceed five days. (c) A nonresident owner of a privately owned passenger car that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides and that is not operated for compensation may operate the car in this state for the period in which the car's license plates are valid. In this subsection, "nonresident" means a resident of a state or country other than this state whose presence in this state is as a visitor and who does not engage in gainful employment or enter into business or an occupation, except as may otherwise be provided by any reciprocal agreement with another state or country. (d) This section does not prevent: (1) a nonresident owner of a motor vehicle from operating the vehicle in this state for the sole purpose of marketing farm products raised exclusively by the person; or (2) a resident of an adjoining state or country from operating in this state a privately owned and registered vehicle to go to and from the person's place of regular employment and to make trips to purchase merchandise, if the vehicle is not operated for compensation. (e) The privileges provided by this section may be allowed only if, under the laws of the appropriate state or country, similar privileges are granted to vehicles registered under the laws of this state and owned by residents of this state. (f) This section does not affect the right or status of a vehicle owner under any reciprocal agreement between this state and another state or country. SECTION 3. Subchapter D, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Sections 502.187 and 502.188 to read as follows: Sec. 502.187. PARADE VEHICLES OWNED BY NONPROFIT SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS. (a) A motor vehicle owned and operated by a nonprofit service organization and designed, constructed, and used primarily for parade purposes is subject to registration as provided by this chapter but is exempt from the fee otherwise prescribed by this chapter. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a vehicle for which a registration fee has been paid under other law. Sec. 502.188. CERTAIN SOIL CONSERVATION EQUIPMENT. (a) The owner of a truck-tractor, semitrailer, or low-boy trailer used on a highway exclusively to transport the owner's soil conservation machinery or equipment used in clearing real property, terracing, or building farm ponds, levees, or ditches may register the vehicle for a fee equal to 50 percent of the fee otherwise prescribed by this chapter for the vehicle. (b) An owner may register only one truck-tractor and only one semitrailer or low-boy trailer under this section. (c) An owner applying for registration under this section must submit a statement that the vehicle is to be used only as provided by Subsection (a). (d) The registration receipt issued for a vehicle registered under this section shall state the nature of the operation for which the vehicle may be used. The receipt must be carried at all times in or on the vehicle to permit ready inspection. (e) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable registration fees and penalties prescribed by this chapter. SECTION 4. Subchapter B, Chapter 7, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 7.026 to read as follows: Sec. 7.026. AUSTIN MUSIC FOUNDATION ACCOUNT. (a) The Austin Music Foundation account is established as a separate account in the general revenue fund. The account is composed of money deposited to the credit of the account under Section 504.639, Transportation Code. Money in the account may be used only for the purposes of this section. (b) The Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Office in the governor's office shall administer the account. The agency may spend money credited to the account only to make grants to benefit the educational and community programs sponsored by the Austin Music Foundation and other Texas-based nonprofit members of the Austin Music Foundation's Affiliates Program. An administration fee of $5 per license plate shall be retained by the Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Office for performance of administrative duties. SECTION 5. Chapter 162, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Sections 162.016 and 162.017 to read as follows: Sec. 162.016. BE A BLOOD DONOR ACCOUNT. (a) The Be a Blood Donor account is a separate account in the general revenue fund. The account is composed of: (1) money deposited to the credit of the account under Section 504.641, Transportation Code; and (2) gifts, grants, donations, and legislative appropriations. (b) The department administers the account and may spend money credited to the account only to: (1) make grants to nonprofit blood centers in this state for programs to recruit and retain volunteer blood donors; and (2) defray the cost of administering the account. (c) The board: (1) may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source for the benefit of the account; and (2) by rule shall establish guidelines for spending money credited to the account. Sec. 162.017. BE A BLOOD DONOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) The commissioner shall appoint a five-member Be a Blood Donor Advisory Committee composed of: (1) one volunteer blood donor who has given at least one gallon of blood in the two years preceding the appointment; (2) two representatives from nonprofit blood centers; (3) one person who has received a blood transfusion in the five years preceding the appointment; and (4) one representative from the department. (b) The commissioner shall designate one member as presiding officer of the committee. (c) The committee shall: (1) meet at least annually or as called by the commissioner; (2) assist the board in establishing guidelines for the expenditure of money credited to the Be a Blood Donor account; and (3) review and make recommendations to the department on applications submitted to the department for grants funded with money credited to the Be a Blood Donor account. (d) Members of the committee serve without compensation and are not entitled to reimbursement for expenses. Members of the committee serve staggered four-year terms, with the terms of as near one-half as possible of the members expiring on January 31 of each even-numbered year. SECTION 6. (a) Subchapter F, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, is repealed. (b) The repeal of Section 502.273, Transportation Code, by this Act does not affect the validity of license plates already issued under that section, which shall be governed under Section 504.801, Transportation Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 7. (a) This section shall be implemented only if the Legislative Budget Board determines that this Act would otherwise reduce the amount of money allocated to the general revenue fund from the issuance by the Texas Department of Transportation of specialty license plates during fiscal years 2004 and 2005 relative to the amount of money allocated to the general revenue fund from the issuance by that department of specialized license plates during fiscal years 2002 and 2003. (b) The Texas Department of Transportation shall reduce the amount of fees allocated to the department's administrative costs and allocate that amount to general revenue for deposit to the credit of the accounts specified in each section of Chapter 504, Transportation Code, as added by this Act. The amount of the reduction and reallocation shall be the amount necessary to ensure that sums allocated to the general revenue fund are not reduced as specified in Subsection (a) of this section. The reduction in administrative costs shall be taken proportionately from each specialty plate so that each will be reduced by the same percentage amount. (c) This section expires September 1, 2005. SECTION 8. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.