HBA-NRS S.B. 1089 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1089 By: Truan Transportation 4/4/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current state law requires the Texas Department of Transportation to issue "Vietnam Veteran" license plates to persons who served in the United States armed forces during the period after August 4, 1964, and before May 8, 1975. Federal law, however, also considers persons who served "in country" between February 28, 1961, and August 4, 1964 as Vietnam Veterans. Senate Bill 1089 expands the eligibility of those who may apply for Vietnam veteran license plates to include veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period between February 28, 1961, and August 4, 1964. 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 Senate Bill 1089 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Transportation to issue specially designated license plates to persons who served in the United States armed forces in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975. The bill requires the department to issue such license plates to a person who applies to the department, pays the prescribed fees, submits proof of eligibility, and is either a member of the United States armed forces on active duty or an honorably discharged veteran. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.