87R18577 JRR-F
 
  By: Harris H.B. No. 2367
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2367:
 
  By:  Lozano C.S.H.B. No. 2367
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the use of license plates equipped with integrated
  circuit technology.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 504.002(a), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Unless expressly provided by this chapter or by
  department rule:
               (1)  except for license plates specified as exempt, the
  fee for issuance of a license plate, including replacement plates,
  is in addition to each other fee that is paid for at the time of the
  registration of the motor vehicle and shall be deposited to the
  credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund;
               (2)  if the registration period is greater than 12
  months, the expiration date of a specialty license plate, symbol,
  tab, or other device shall be aligned with the registration period,
  and the specialty plate fee shall be adjusted pro rata, except that
  if the statutory annual fee for a specialty license plate is $5 or
  less, it may not be prorated;
               (3)  the department is the exclusive owner of the
  design of each license plate;
               (4)  if a license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated,
  an application for a replacement plate must be accompanied by the
  fee prescribed by Section 502.060; [and]
               (5)  the department shall prepare the designs and
  specifications of license plates; and
               (6)  the department shall allow a vehicle registered
  under Chapter 502 to be equipped with a license plate that uses
  integrated circuit technology.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.