HBA-JEK H.B. 3008 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3008
By: Pickett
Transportation
4/6/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Since its inception in 1913 at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority has addressed important issues facing African Americans and all
Americans.  Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has provided various public services
through its Five-Point Program Thrust that includes Educational
Development, Economic Development, International Awareness and Involvement,
Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.  House
Bill 3008 creates a special Delta Sigma Theta Sorority license plate and an
account in the general revenue fund for the deposit of the license plate
proceeds, which will be used to benefit programs sponsored by the El Paso
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 

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 3008 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to issue specially designed license
plates for passenger cars and light trucks owned by members or alumnae of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  The plates must include the words "Delta Sigma
Theta."  The bill sets forth a $25 annual fee for a Delta Sigma Theta plate
in addition to the standard motor vehicle registration fee.  The bill
requires TxDOT to use $8 of the fee to defray the cost of issuing the
plates and to deposit the remainder of the fee to the credit of the Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority account. 

H.B. 3008 amends the Education Code to establish the Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority account (account) as a separate account in the general revenue
fund.  The bill provides that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers
the account and that the account consists of money collected from the
issuance of Delta Sigma Theta license plates.  The bill authorizes TEA to
spend money credited to the account to make grants to benefit programs
sponsored by the El Paso Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

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