BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 769

By: Watson

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that combat medics are subjected to similar hazards as combat troops and contend that the state should recognize the service of combat medics through the issuance of specialty license plates for Combat Medical Badge recipients. S.B. 769 seeks to provide for the issuance of such specialty license plates.

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

S.B. 769 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Combat Medical Badge that include the Combat Medical Badge emblem and the words "Combat Medical Badge" at the bottom of each plate. The bill clarifies the applicability of the requirement for specialty license plates issued for a combat action badge or ribbon that may be awarded more than once to include only the emblem of the first award badge or ribbon.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.