HBA-MSH H.B. 544 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 544
By: Williams
Transportation
4/4/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there are no special license plates for the personal vehicles of
constables and deputy constables. Many counties require constables and
deputy constables to use their own automobiles in an official capacity.
Some people are unable to recognize these personal vehicles as law
enforcement vehicles since they lack the exempt license plates of other law
enforcement vehicles.  House Bill 544 provides for the issuance of special
license plates for the vehicles of a constables and deputy constables. 

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 544 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to design and provide for the issuance
of  special license plates for a passenger car or light truck that is owned
by a constable or deputy constable.  The bill requires the license plates
to bear the words "Texas Constable"and sets forth requirements for the
issuance of such license plates, including fees, registration, and the
return of such license plates.  The bill authorizes the owner of the
vehicle for which the license plates were issued to obtain replacement
plates from TxDOT for a replacement fee of $5, if the license plates are
lost, stolen, or mutilated. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.