BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 240

By: Nelson

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been observed that the F-35 fighter jet is an iconic military aircraft that is often heard in the airspace around some communities in North Texas. There have been calls to recognize and appreciate the achievements of the F-35 project through the issuance of specialty license plates featuring an image of the jet and the words "The Sound of Freedom." S.B. 240 seeks to honor this unique aircraft by providing for the issuance of such 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. 240 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 administrative costs to be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.