BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 585

By: Geren

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Texas is known for its recognition and appreciation of the military and veterans. As such, it has been suggested that it would be appropriate for the state to offer a specialty license plate recognizing the achievements of the F-35 fighter jets developed in Texas. H.B. 585 seeks to authorize the issuance of such plates, which would include an image of the F-35 fighter jet and the words "The Sound of Freedom."

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. 585 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue specialty license plates that include the image of an F-35 fighter jet and the words "The Sound of Freedom." The bill requires the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates after deduction of TxDMV's administrative costs to be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.