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.