BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2876

By: Cain

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Industrial firefighters play a crucial role in protecting lives and property by responding to fires and other emergencies that occur in industrial settings. Industrial firefighters undergo rigorous and specialized training that goes beyond standard firefighting training because the industrial setting tends to pose significant risks and dangers due to the presence of hazardous materials, complex machinery, and other potential hazards. Despite the importance of their work, industrial firefighters often do not receive the recognition that they deserve for their contributions to public. H.B. 2876 seeks to recognize and honor the work of industrial firefighters in Texas by requiring the Texas Department  of Motor Vehicles to design and issue specialty license plates for industrial firefighters certified by the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas.

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. 2876 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department  of Motor Vehicles to design and issue specialty license plates for industrial firefighters certified by the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas. The bill sets the fee for issuance of the license plates at $30 and caps the number of license plates a person may be issued at three sets of plates.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.