BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 247

By: Alvarado

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Honorary consuls are representatives of foreign governments in the United States operating with the authorization of the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) of the U.S. Department of State. Honorary consuls perform ceremonial duties and are not eligible for all privileges and immunities reserved for consular officers. Under Texas law, they are eligible to receive specialty license plates issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). Due to repeated incidences of abuse and fraud, the OFM recommends that state authorities cease issuing honorary consul plates. S.B. 247 repeals the statute that requires TxDMV to issue specialty license plates to a person who is an honorary consul authorized by the United States to perform consular duties.

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. 247 repeals Section 504.515, Transportation Code, which requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to issue specialty license plates for a person who is an honorary consul authorized by the United States to perform consular duties.

S.B. 247 amends the Transportation Code to make a conforming change.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.