BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3500

By: Dunnam

Transportation

Committee Report (Amended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, state and federal legislators, county officials, and certain judges receive specialty license plates issued by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). These officials receive this privilege because they are public servants elected by the people. Municipal officials are also elected to serve the people of Texas and deserve this same privilege.

H.B. 3500 requires TxDOT to issue specially designed license plates to municipal officials, granting these officials the privilege of receiving specialty license plates with "City Official" printed on them.  

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

H.B. 3500 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Transportation to issue specially designed license plates for a passenger car or light truck owned by a person who is a member of the governing body of a municipality. The bill requires such license plates to include the words "City Official" and authorizes an eligible person to be issued three sets of the license plates.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment No. 1

H.B. 3500 is amended to require the Texas Department of Transportation to issue specially designed license plates for a passenger car or light truck owned by a person who is an elected member, rather than a member, of the governing body of a municipality.