BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 539

By: Bailes

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, there is no option for Texas ranchers to indicate that a vehicle is a commercial ranch vehicle though such an option exists for a commercial farm vehicle. Ranchers are deeply valued and appreciated in the state of Texas, and providing them a distinctive license plate would acknowledge that appreciation. H.B. 539 seeks to address this issue by providing for the issuance of specialty license plates for ranch vehicles.

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. 539 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to provide a person who registers a commercial motor vehicle as a farm vehicle the option of being issued a distinguishing license plate that includes the text "Farm Vehicle" or "Ranch Vehicle."

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.