BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 315

By: Raymond

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties assert the need for the State of Texas to fulfill its duty in providing quality, lifelong services for its veteran population. The parties contend that the creation of a specialty license plate with the words "In God We Trust," the proceeds of which go to the Texas Veterans Commission, would serve Texas veterans as they seek their rightfully earned benefits. The goal of H.B. 315 is to provide this assistance through the issuance of such a license plate.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 315 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue specially designed license plates that include the words "In God We Trust." The bill requires the fee for issuance of such license plates, after deduction of TxDMV's administrative costs, to be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and limits appropriation of the deposited fees only to the Texas Veterans Commission.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.