Relating to the issuance of "Choose Life" license plates and the creation of the Choose Life account in the general revenue fund.
Impact
The creation of the Choose Life account and the associated license plates will enable the Texas Attorney General to allocate the collected funds—through grants—to eligible organizations that meet specific criteria. These organizations are defined primarily by their focus on counseling and support for pregnant women who are contemplating placing their children for adoption. The bill explicitly restricts these funds from being used to finance organizations that provide abortions or any abortion-related services, thereby reflecting the underlying philosophical stance of promoting adoption over abortion.
Summary
House Bill 238 establishes a program for the issuance of "Choose Life" license plates in Texas and creates the Choose Life account in the state's general revenue fund. The bill mandates the Texas Department of Transportation to issue these specially designed plates, which will feature the words "Choose Life." Funds collected from the sale of these license plates will contribute to the Choose Life account, after administrative costs are deducted. This account is intended to provide funding to organizations that assist pregnant women considering adoption, thereby promoting adoption as an alternative to abortion.
Contention
The notable point of contention surrounding HB238 lies in its implications regarding reproductive rights and the funding of organizations that have a religious or pro-life emphasis. Critics argue that the bill further entrenches government support for anti-abortion initiatives and may inadvertently limit resources available to organizations offering comprehensive reproductive health services, including safe abortion options. Proponents, conversely, defend the bill as a valid support mechanism for women in crisis pregnancies, emphasizing the choice of adoption as a positive alternative.
Administrative aspects
Additionally, the bill establishes a Choose Life advisory committee that will be appointed by the Attorney General. This committee will be responsible for overseeing the guidelines for the expenditure of the funds, thus ensuring that they are utilized in accordance with the intentions of the legislation. The requirements imposed on eligible organizations also emphasize a clear separation from any abortion-related services, reinforcing the bill's objective of promoting adoption services.
Relating to the issuance of Support Adoption specialty license plates and to the Support Adoption account and certain voluntary contributions to that account.
Relating to the issuance of certain tags, permits, and license plates authorizing the movement of vehicles and the transfer and renewal of certain license plates.
Relating to the creation of the open burn pit registry fund and the issuance of specialty license plates to honor members of the United States armed forces exposed to open burn pits.
Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.
Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.