HBA-CMT H.B. 1810 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1810
By: Kolkhorst
Transportation
4/5/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The American Legion currently has many posts in Texas and boasts over
90,000 members nationwide. The American Legion also has a development
foundation that is responsible for many programs such as Boy's State, The
American Legion's Oratorical Contest, American Legion Baseball, and the
American Legion Junior Shooting and Sports Program, as well as scholarships
for Texas youths and veterans.  House Bill 1810 creates specially-designed
American Legion license plates for members of the American Legion with the
proceeds going to support scholarships and youth programs by the American
Legion, Department of Texas. 

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 1810 amends the Transportation Code to require that the
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to issue specially designed license
plates (plates) for passenger cars and light trucks owned by members of the
American Legion.  The bill requires TxDOT to design the plates in
consultation with the American Legion, Department of Texas (legion), and
sets forth that the plates must include the words "Still Serving America"
and the emblem of the American Legion. The bill sets forth requirements for
the issuance and return of the plates.  The bill requires the department to
deposit the fee collected for the issuance of the plates into the legion
account, minus eight dollars per vehicle to be used by TxDOT to defray the
costs of issuing the plates.  The bill authorizes the Texas Veterans
Commission to make grants to the American Legion Endowment Fund for
scholarships and youth programs sponsored by the legion.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.