By: Ellis S.B. No. 161
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to specialty license plates supporting the Safe Routes to
  School Program.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 504.648, Transportation Code, is amended
  by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (d) and (e) to
  read as follows:
         (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 share the road account in
  the state treasury [state highway fund] and may only be used by the
  Texas Education Agency to support [for] the Safe Routes to School
  Program of a designated statewide 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.
         (d)  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 Safe Routes to School Program and the
  God Bless Texas and God Bless America license plates.
         (e)  The Texas Education Agency may use money received under
  this section to secure funds available under federal matching
  programs for safe routes to school and obesity prevention.
         SECTION 2.  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, 2009.