HBA-DMH H.B. 1381 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1381
By: Dunnam
Transportation
4/4/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there are approximately 1,200 incorporated cities represented by
more than seven thousand locally elected mayors, council persons, and
commissioners.  It seems appropriate to recognize the municipal officials
of these cities and townships who spend hundreds of hours working for the
betterment of their communities.  Currently, many state and county
officials receive similar license plates for their public service.  House
Bill 1381 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to design and
provide for the issuance to members of the governing body of a municipality
of special license plates bearing the words "City Official." 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1381 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to design and provide for issuance
special license plates bearing the words "City Official" for passenger cars
and light trucks that are owned by members of the governing body of a
municipality.  The bill requires TxDOT to issue the license plates to a
person that completes the specified application process and pays the
prescribed fees.  The bill sets forth provisions for vehicle registration,
the return of license plates, and obtaining replacement license plates. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.