BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1256

By: Kacal

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that the creation of a specialty license plate honoring the public service of Texas peace officers, the proceeds of which would be used for the maintenance of the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial Monument, would serve to acknowledge these brave officers. The goal of H.B. 1256 is to recognize these officers and their service by providing for the issuance of such a specialty 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. 1256 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue specialty license plates that include the image of the United States flag printed in black and white with a blue stripe crossing beneath the field of stars and the words "Blessed are the Peacemakers" at the bottom of each plate. The bill requires the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates after the deduction of TxDMV's administrative costs to be deposited to the credit of an account in a trust fund created by the comptroller of public accounts outside the general revenue fund. The bill limits the use of money deposited to that account to the maintenance of the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial Monument by the State Preservation Board.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.