BILL ANALYSIS
By: Estes
Defense Affairs & State-Federal Relations
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, there is no special license plate for recipients of the Silver Star Medal. The Silver Star Medal is a military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is given for valor in the face of the enemy. This medal may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S Armed Forces, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism through various actions.
As proposed, S.B. 274 creates a special license plate for recipients of the Silver Star Medal.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SB 274 amends the Transportation Code, to require the Texas Department of Transportation to issue special license plates for recipients of the Silver Star Medal. The license plates must include the Silver Star Medal emblem and the words "Silver Star Medal" at the bottom of each plate. Further, the bill provides that Section 504.702 (regarding requirements for specialty license plates authorized after January 1, 1999) does not apply to license plates authorized by this subsection.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.