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BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 2398

80R9962 JLL-F                                                                                    By: Delisi et al. (Wentworth)

                                                                                             Veteran Affairs & Military Installations

                                                                                                                                            4/30/2007

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provides a "Gold Star Mother" specialty license plate honoring the mothers of individuals who die while serving in the United States armed forces.  However, this program does not recognize the spouses or immediate family members of those individuals. 

 

H.B. 2398 requires TxDOT to expand the "Gold Star" program to include "Gold Star Spouse" and "Gold Star Family" license plates for spouses and family members, respectively, of individuals who die while serving in the United States armed forces. 

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends the heading to Section 504.408, Transportation Code, as follows:

 

Sec. 504.408.  GOLD STAR MOTHER, SPOUSE, OR FAMILY MEMBER. 

 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 504.408, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:

 

(a)  Requires the Texas Department of Transportation to issue a specialty license plate, rather than plates, for the mother, surviving spouse, or immediate family member of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces.  Requires such a place to include the words "Gold Star Mother," "Gold Star Spouse," or "Gold Star Family." 

 

(a-1)  Defines "immediate family member."

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.