Texas 2009 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB2553 Enrolled / Bill

Filed 02/01/2025

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                    H.B. No. 2553


 AN ACT
 relating to the registration and operation of certain motor
 vehicles.
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 SECTION 1. Section 29.001, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 29.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "off-highway
 vehicle" means:
 (1) an all-terrain vehicle, as defined by Section
 663.001, Transportation Code;
 (2) an off-highway motorcycle; [and]
 (3) a recreational off-highway vehicle, as defined by
 Section 502.001, Transportation Code; and
 (4) any other motorized vehicle used for off-highway
 recreation on:
 (A) public land over which the department has
 authority or on land purchased or leased by the department; or
 (B) land acquired or developed under a grant made
 under Section 29.008 or any other grant program operated or
 administered by the department.
 SECTION 2. The heading to Section 29.011, Parks and
 Wildlife Code, is amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 29.011. SAFETY APPAREL REQUIRED; SEAT BELTS.
 SECTION 3. Section 29.011, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
 amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to
 read as follows:
 (a) A person may not operate, ride, or be carried on an
 off-highway vehicle on public property unless the person wears:
 (1) a safety helmet that complies with United States
 Department of Transportation standards; [and]
 (2) eye protection; and
 (3)  seat belts, if the vehicle is equipped with seat
 belts.
 (c) This section does not apply to a motor vehicle that:
 (1)  has at least four wheels and is registered by the
 Texas Department of Transportation for use on a public highway,
 unless the vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle as defined by Section
 502.001, Transportation Code;
 (2)  has four wheels and is equipped with bench or
 bucket seats and seat belts and includes a roll bar or roll cage
 construction to reduce the risk of injury to an occupant of the
 vehicle in case of the vehicle's rollover; or
 (3)  is in the process of being loaded into or unloaded
 from a trailer or another vehicle used to transport the motor
 vehicle.
 SECTION 4. Section 501.002(14), Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 (14) "Motor vehicle" means:
 (A) any motor driven or propelled vehicle
 required to be registered under the laws of this state;
 (B) a trailer or semitrailer, other than
 manufactured housing, that has a gross vehicle weight that exceeds
 4,000 pounds;
 (C) a house trailer;
 (D) an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational
 off-highway vehicle, as those terms are defined by Section 502.001,
 designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use that is not
 required to be registered under the laws of this state; or
 (E) a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped
 that is not required to be registered under the laws of this state,
 other than a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped designed for
 and used exclusively on a golf course.
 SECTION 5. Section 502.001, Transportation Code, is amended
 by amending Subdivision (1) and adding Subdivision (19-a) to read
 as follows:
 (1) "All-terrain vehicle" means a motor vehicle that
 is:
 (A) equipped with a saddle[, bench, or bucket
 seats] for the use of:
 (i) the rider; and
 (ii) a passenger, if the motor vehicle is
 designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;
 (B) designed to propel itself with three or more
 tires in contact with the ground;
 (C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway
 use; and
 (D) not designed by the manufacturer primarily
 for farming or lawn care.
 (19-a)  "Recreational off-highway vehicle" means a
 motor vehicle that is:
 (A)  equipped with a non-straddle seat for the use
 of:
 (i) the rider; and
 (ii)  a passenger, if the vehicle is
 designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;
 (B)  designed to propel itself with four or more
 tires in contact with the ground;
 (C)  designed by the manufacturer for off-highway
 use by the operator only; and
 (D)  not designed by the manufacturer primarily
 for farming or lawn care.
 SECTION 6. Section 502.006, Transportation Code, is amended
 to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.006. CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY [ALL-TERRAIN] VEHICLES.
 (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not register
 an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle, with
 or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway.
 (b) The state, a county, or a municipality may register an
 all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle for
 operation on a public beach or highway to maintain public safety and
 welfare.
 (c)  A recreational off-highway vehicle registered as
 provided by Subsection (b) may be operated on a public or private
 beach in the same manner as a golf cart may be operated on a public
 or private beach under Section 502.0071. The operator must hold and
 have in the operator's possession a driver's license issued under
 Chapter 521 or a commercial driver's license issued under Chapter
 522.
 (d) [(e)] Section 502.172 does not apply to an all-terrain
 vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle.
 SECTION 7. Section 547.001, Transportation Code, is amended
 by adding Subsection (2-a) to read as follows:
 (2-a)  "Golf cart" has the meaning assigned by Section
 502.001.
 SECTION 8. Section 547.002, Transportation Code, is amended
 to read as follows:
 Sec. 547.002. APPLICABILITY. Unless a provision is
 specifically made applicable, this chapter and the rules of the
 department adopted under this chapter do not apply to:
 (1) an implement of husbandry;
 (2) road machinery;
 (3) a road roller;
 (4) a farm tractor;
 (5) a bicycle, a bicyclist, or bicycle equipment;
 (6) an electric bicycle, an electric bicyclist, or
 electric bicycle equipment; or
 (7) a golf cart that is operated only as authorized by
 [not required to be registered under] Section 551.403 [502.284].
 SECTION 9. Subsection (d), Section 547.703, Transportation
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (d) A golf cart that is operated at a speed of not more than
 25 miles per hour [as defined by Section 502.001] is required to
 display a slow-moving-vehicle emblem [only] when it is operated on
 a public highway, as defined by Section 502.001, under Section
 551.403 or 551.404 [an arterial street].
 SECTION 10. Chapter 551, Transportation Code, is amended by
 adding Subchapter F to read as follows:
 SUBCHAPTER F. GOLF CARTS
 Sec. 551.401.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "golf cart"
 and "public highway" have the meanings assigned by Section 502.001.
 Sec. 551.402.  REGISTRATION NOT AUTHORIZED. (a)  The Texas
 Department of Transportation may not register a golf cart for
 operation on a public highway regardless of whether any alteration
 has been made to the golf cart.
 (b)  The department may issue license plates for a golf cart
 only as authorized by Section 504.510.
 Sec. 551.403.  LIMITED OPERATION. (a)  An operator may
 operate a golf cart:
 (1) in a master planned community:
 (A)  that has in place a uniform set of
 restrictive covenants; and
 (B)  for which a county or municipality has
 approved a plat;
 (2) on a public or private beach; or
 (3)  on a public highway for which the posted speed
 limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, if the golf cart is
 operated:
 (A) during the daytime; and
 (B)  not more than two miles from the location
 where the golf cart is usually parked and for transportation to or
 from a golf course.
 (b)  The Texas Department of Transportation or a county or
 municipality may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a public
 highway if the department or the governing body of the county or
 municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the
 interest of safety.
 Sec. 551.404.  OPERATION IN MUNICIPALITIES. (a)  In
 addition to the operation authorized by Section 551.403, the
 governing body of a municipality may allow an operator to operate a
 golf cart on all or part of a public highway that:
 (1)  is in the corporate boundaries of the
 municipality; and
 (2)  has a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles
 per hour.
 (b)  A golf cart operated under Subsection (a) must have the
 following equipment:
 (1) headlamps;
 (2) taillamps;
 (3) reflectors;
 (4) parking brake; and
 (5) mirrors.
 Sec. 551.405.  CROSSING CERTAIN ROADWAYS. A golf cart may
 cross intersections, including a road or street that has a posted
 speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
 SECTION 11. Subsection (a), Section 601.052,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a) Section 601.051 does not apply to:
 (1) the operation of a motor vehicle that:
 (A) is a former military vehicle or is at least 25
 years old;
 (B) is used only for exhibitions, club
 activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and not
 for regular transportation; and
 (C) for which the owner files with the department
 an affidavit, signed by the owner, stating that the vehicle is a
 collector's item and used only as described by Paragraph (B);
 (2) the operation of a golf cart that is operated only
 as authorized by [not required to be registered under] Section
 551.403 [502.284]; or
 (3) a volunteer fire department for the operation of a
 motor vehicle the title of which is held in the name of a volunteer
 fire department.
 SECTION 12. The following sections of the Transportation
 Code are repealed:
 (1) Section 502.0071; and
 (2) Subsection (e), Section 547.703.
 SECTION 13. The heading to Subtitle G, Title 7,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 SUBTITLE G. MOTORCYCLES AND OFF-HIGHWAY [ALL-TERRAIN] VEHICLES
 SECTION 14. The heading to Chapter 663, Transportation
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 CHAPTER 663. CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY [ALL-TERRAIN] VEHICLES
 SECTION 15. Section 663.001, Transportation Code, is
 amended by adding Subdivision (3) to read as follows:
 (3)  "Recreational off-highway vehicle" has the
 meaning assigned by Section 502.001.
 SECTION 16. Subchapter A, Chapter 663, Transportation Code,
 is amended by adding Section 663.003 to read as follows:
 Sec. 663.003.  RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES.  This
 chapter applies to the operator and operation of a recreational
 off-highway vehicle in the same manner as if the recreational
 off-highway vehicle were an all-terrain vehicle.
 SECTION 17. Section 502.160, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.160. FEE: MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED. The fee for a
 registration year for registration of a motorcycle or moped is $30.
 SECTION 18. The heading to Section 502.161, Transportation
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.161. FEE: VEHICLES THAT WEIGH 6,000 POUNDS OR LESS
 [PASSENGER CAR, MUNICIPAL BUS, PRIVATE BUS].
 SECTION 19. Subsection (a), Section 502.161,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a
 vehicle with a gross weight of [passenger car, a municipal bus, or a
 private bus that weighs] 6,000 pounds or less is $50.75, unless
 otherwise provided in this chapter[:
 [(1)     $40.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is
 more than six years before the year in which the registration year
 begins;
 [(2)     $50.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is
 more than three years but is six years or less before the year in
 which the registration year begins; or
 [(3)     $58.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is
 three years or less before the year in which the registration year
 begins].
 SECTION 20. The heading to Section 502.162, Transportation
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.162. FEE: VEHICLES THAT WEIGH MORE THAN 6,000
 POUNDS [COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OR TRUCK-TRACTOR].
 SECTION 21. Subsection (a), Section 502.162,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a
 vehicle with a gross weight of more than 6,000 pounds is [commercial
 motor vehicle or truck-tractor is $25 plus an amount determined
 according to the vehicle's gross weight and tire equipment,] as
 follows unless otherwise provided in this chapter:
 Weight Classification Fee Schedule Weight Classification Fee Schedule
Weight Classification Fee Schedule
 in pounds in pounds
in pounds
 6,001-10,000 $54.00 6,001-10,000 $54.00
6,001-10,000 $54.00
 10,001-18,000 $110.00 10,001-18,000 $110.00
10,001-18,000 $110.00
 18,001-25,999 $205.00 18,001-25,999 $205.00
18,001-25,999 $205.00
 26,000-40,000 $340.00 26,000-40,000 $340.00
26,000-40,000 $340.00
 40,001-54,999 $535.00 40,001-54,999 $535.00
40,001-54,999 $535.00
 55,000-70,000 $740.00 55,000-70,000 $740.00
55,000-70,000 $740.00
 70,001-80,000 $840.00 70,001-80,000 $840.00
70,001-80,000 $840.00
 [Gross weight   Fee for each 100 pounds or [Gross weight Fee for each 100 pounds or
[Gross weight Fee for each 100 pounds or
 [in pounds   fraction of 100 pounds [in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
 [Equipped with   Equipped with  [Equipped with Equipped with
 [Equipped with Equipped with
 [pneumatic tires   solid tires  [pneumatic tires solid tires
 [pneumatic tires solid tires
 [1-6,000   $0.44   $0.55 [1-6,000 $0.44 $0.55
[1-6,000 $0.44 $0.55
 [6,001-8,000   0.495   0.66 [6,001-8,000 0.495 0.66
[6,001-8,000 0.495 0.66
 [8,001-10,000   0.605   0.77 [8,001-10,000 0.605 0.77
[8,001-10,000 0.605 0.77
 [10,001-17,000   0.715   0.88 [10,001-17,000 0.715 0.88
[10,001-17,000 0.715 0.88
 [17,001-24,000   0.77   0.99 [17,001-24,000 0.77 0.99
[17,001-24,000 0.77 0.99
 [24,001-31,000   0.88   1.10 [24,001-31,000 0.88 1.10
[24,001-31,000 0.88 1.10
 [31,001 and over   0.99   1.32] [31,001 and over 0.99 1.32]
[31,001 and over 0.99 1.32]
 SECTION 22. Section 502.165, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.165. FEE: ROAD TRACTOR. The fee for a registration
 year for registration of a road tractor is the fee prescribed by
 [$25 plus an amount determined according to the vehicle's] weight
 as certified by a public weigher or a license and weight inspector
 of the Department of Public Safety under Section 502.161 or
 502.162, as applicable.[, as follows:
 [Fee for each 100 pounds  [Fee for each 100 pounds
 [Fee for each 100 pounds
 [Gross weight in   or [Gross weight in or
[Gross weight in or
 [pounds   fraction of 100 pounds [pounds fraction of 100 pounds
[pounds fraction of 100 pounds
 [1-4,000   $0.275 [1-4,000 $0.275
[1-4,000 $0.275
 [4,001-6,000   0.55 [4,001-6,000 0.55
[4,001-6,000 0.55
 [6,001-8,000   0.66 [6,001-8,000 0.66
[6,001-8,000 0.66
 [8,001-10,000   0.825 [8,001-10,000 0.825
[8,001-10,000 0.825
 [10,001 and over   1.10] [10,001 and over 1.10]
[10,001 and over 1.10]
 SECTION 23. The heading to Section 502.166, Transportation
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.166. FEE: TRAILER, TRAVEL TRAILER, OR SEMITRAILER.
 SECTION 24. Section 502.166, Transportation Code, is
 amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to
 read as follows:
 (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a
 trailer, travel trailer, or semitrailer with a [is $25 plus an
 amount determined according to the vehicle's] gross weight of 6,000
 pounds or less is $45.00.
 (a-1)  The fee for a registration year for registration of a
 trailer, travel trailer, or semitrailer with a gross weight of more
 than 6,000 pounds is calculated by gross weight according to
 Section 502.162. [and tire equipment, as follows:
 [Gross weight   Fee for each 100 pounds or [Gross weight Fee for each 100 pounds or
[Gross weight Fee for each 100 pounds or
 [in pounds   fraction of 100 pounds [in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
 [Equipped with   Equipped with  [Equipped with Equipped with
 [Equipped with Equipped with
 [pneumatic tires   solid tires  [pneumatic tires solid tires
 [pneumatic tires solid tires
 [1-6,000   $0.33   $0.44 [1-6,000 $0.33 $0.44
[1-6,000 $0.33 $0.44
 [6,001-8,000   0.44   0.55 [6,001-8,000 0.44 0.55
[6,001-8,000 0.44 0.55
 [8,001-10,000   0.55   0.66 [8,001-10,000 0.55 0.66
[8,001-10,000 0.55 0.66
 [10,001-17,000   0.66   0.88 [10,001-17,000 0.66 0.88
[10,001-17,000 0.66 0.88
 [17,001 and over   0.715   0.99] [17,001 and over 0.715 0.99]
[17,001 and over 0.715 0.99]
 SECTION 25. Subsections (a), (b), and (c), Section 502.167,
 Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
 (a) This section applies only to a truck-tractor or
 commercial motor vehicle with a gross weight [manufacturer's rated
 carrying capacity] of more than 10,000 pounds [one ton] that is used
 or is to be used in combination with a semitrailer that has a gross
 weight of more than 6,000 pounds.
 (b) The [Notwithstanding Section 502.162, the] fee for a
 registration year for registration of a truck-tractor or commercial
 motor vehicle is calculated by gross weight according to Section
 502.162. [$40 plus an amount determined according to the combined
 gross weight of the vehicles, as follows:
 [Fee for each 100 pounds  [Fee for each 100 pounds
 [Fee for each 100 pounds
 [Combined gross weight   or [Combined gross weight or
[Combined gross weight or
 [in pounds   fraction of 100 pounds [in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
 [18,000-36,000   $0.60 [18,000-36,000 $0.60
[18,000-36,000 $0.60
 [36,001-42,000   0.75 [36,001-42,000 0.75
[36,001-42,000 0.75
 [42,001-62,000   0.90 [42,001-62,000 0.90
[42,001-62,000 0.90
 [62,001 and over   1.00] [62,001 and over 1.00]
[62,001 and over 1.00]
 (c) The [Notwithstanding Section 502.166, the] fee for a
 registration year for registration of a semitrailer used in the
 manner described by Subsection (a), regardless of the date the
 semitrailer is registered, is:
 (1) $30, for a semitrailer being propelled by a power
 unit for which a permit under Section 623.011 has been issued; or
 (2) $15, for a semitrailer being propelled by a power
 unit for which a permit under Section 623.011 has not been issued.
 SECTION 26. Section 502.168, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.168. FEE: MOTOR BUS. The fee for a registration
 year for registration of a motor bus is the fee prescribed by
 Section 502.161 or 502.162, as applicable. [$25 plus an amount
 determined according to the vehicle's gross weight, as follows:
 [Fee for each 100 pounds  [Fee for each 100 pounds
 [Fee for each 100 pounds
 [Gross weight   or [Gross weight or
[Gross weight or
 [in pounds   fraction of 100 pounds [in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds
 [1-6,000   $0.44 [1-6,000 $0.44
[1-6,000 $0.44
 [6,001-8,000   0.495 [6,001-8,000 0.495
[6,001-8,000 0.495
 [8,001-10,000   0.605 [8,001-10,000 0.605
[8,001-10,000 0.605
 [10,001-17,000   0.715 [10,001-17,000 0.715
[10,001-17,000 0.715
 [17,001-24,000   0.77 [17,001-24,000 0.77
[17,001-24,000 0.77
 [24,001-31,000   0.88 [24,001-31,000 0.88
[24,001-31,000 0.88
 [31,001 and over   0.99] [31,001 and over 0.99]
[31,001 and over 0.99]
 SECTION 27. Subsection (b), Section 502.1705,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (b) The department may use money collected under this
 section to provide for or enhance [perform one or more of the
 following]:
 (1) [enhancing the department's automated
 registration and title system;
 [(2)     providing for the automated on-site production of
 registration insignia; or
 [(3) providing for] automated on-premises and
 off-premises [self-service] registration; and
 (2) services related to the titling of vehicles.
 SECTION 28. The heading to Section 502.184, Transportation
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.184. REPLACEMENT OF [LOST, STOLEN, OR MUTILATED
 LICENSE PLATE OR] REGISTRATION INSIGNIA.
 SECTION 29. Subsections (a), (b), (e), and (f), Section
 502.184, Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
 (a) The owner of a registered motor vehicle may obtain [from
 the department through the county assessor-collector replacement
 license plates or] a replacement registration insignia by:
 (1) certifying [filing with the assessor-collector a
 statement:
 [(A)     showing that one or both of the license
 plates or the registration insignia to be replaced has been lost,
 stolen, or mutilated; and
 [(B) stating] that the replacement [no license
 plate or] registration insignia [to be replaced] will not be used on
 any other vehicle owned or operated by the person making the
 statement;
 (2) paying a fee of $6 [$5] plus the fees required by
 Section [Sections 502.170(a) and] 502.1705(a) for [each set of
 replacement license plates or] each replacement registration
 insignia, except as provided by other law [Subsection (b), (c), or
 (i)]; and
 (3) returning [to the assessor-collector] each
 replaced [plate or] registration insignia in the owner's
 possession.
 (b) No fee is required under this section if the replacement
 fee for a license plate has been paid under Section 502.1841 [for
 the replacement of lost, stolen, or mutilated specialized license
 plates issued under Sections 504.308 and 504.315(e) and (f)]. [The
 fee for replacement of certain specialized license plates is:
 [License plates issued under:   Fee:  [License plates issued under: Fee:
 [License plates issued under: Fee:
 [Section 504.411   $2  [Section 504.411 $2
 [Section 504.411 $2
 [Section 504.409   $9]  [Section 504.409 $9]
 [Section 504.409 $9]
 (e) A county assessor-collector may not issue [replacement
 license plates or] a replacement registration insignia without
 complying with this section.
 (f) A county assessor-collector shall retain $2.50 of each
 fee collected under this section and shall report and send the
 remainder to the department [as provided by Sections 502.102 and
 502.105].
 SECTION 30. Subchapter D, Chapter 502, Transportation Code,
 is amended by adding Section 502.1841 to read as follows:
 Sec. 502.1841.  REPLACEMENT LICENSE PLATES. (a)  The owner
 of a registered motor vehicle may obtain replacement license plates
 for the vehicle by:
 (1)  certifying that the replacement plates will not be
 used on any other vehicle owned or operated by the person making the
 statement;
 (2)  paying a fee of $6 plus the fee required by Section
 502.1705(a) for each set of replacement license plates, unless
 otherwise specified by law; and
 (3)  returning to the department each license plate in
 the owner's possession for which a replacement license plate is
 obtained.
 (b)  Replacement license plates may not be issued except as
 provided by this section.
 (c)  A county assessor-collector shall retain $2.50 of each
 fee collected under this section and forward the remainder of the
 fee to the department.
 (d)  The fee required by this section applies to the issuance
 of license plates for a transferred used vehicle for which the
 registration and license plates were not transferred under
 Subchapter I.
 SECTION 31. Subsection (d), Section 504.101,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (d) The department may not issue a replacement set of
 personalized license plates to the same person before the sixth
 anniversary of the date of issuance unless the applicant for
 issuance of replacement plates pays the [an additional] fee
 required by Section 502.1841 [of $30].
 SECTION 32. Section 504.501, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS.
 (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor
 vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must
 include the word "Classic" [words "Classic Auto," "Classic
 Motorcycle," or "Classic Truck"] or a similar designation, as
 appropriate.
 (b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use
 license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as
 the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department if
 the plates are approved for the vehicle before January 1, 2011. The
 department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to
 the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of
 information originally on the license plate.
 (c) There is no [The] fee for issuance or approval of
 license plates under this section [is $15].
 SECTION 33. Subsection (c), Section 504.505,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (c) There is no [The initial] fee for issuance of the
 license plates [is $8]. The license plates may be renewed without
 payment of a fee.
 SECTION 34. Subsection (b), Section 504.507,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (b) There is no [The] fee for issuance of the license plates
 [is $8]. The department shall:
 (1) [also] collect any [additional] fee that a county
 imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle;
 and
 (2) send the fee to the appropriate county for
 disposition.
 SECTION 35. Subsection (b), Section 504.508,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (b) There is no [The] fee for issuance of the license plates
 [is $15].
 SECTION 36. Section 504.509, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO
 EQUIPMENT. [(a)] The department shall issue specialty license
 plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license
 issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates
 receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The
 license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as
 assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may
 register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio
 equipment under this section, and the department shall issue
 license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each
 vehicle.
 [(b)     The fee for issuance of the license plates is $2 for the
 first year and $1 for each subsequent year.]
 SECTION 37. Subsection (b), Section 504.510,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $6 [$10].
 SECTION 38. Subsection (a), Section 504.801,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a) The department may create new specialty license plates
 on its own initiative or on receipt of an application from a
 potential sponsor. A new specialty license plate created under
 this section must comply with each requirement of Section 504.702
 unless the license is created by the department on its own
 initiative. The department may permit a specialty license plate
 created under this section to be personalized. The redesign of an
 existing specialty license plate at the request of a sponsor shall
 be treated like the issuance of a new specialty license plate,
 except that the department may require a nonrefundable design fee
 [lower deposit amount to reflect the actual costs of redesigning
 the license plate].
 SECTION 39. The following provisions of the Transportation
 Code are repealed:
 (1) Section 502.007;
 (2) Subsection (b), Section 502.161;
 (3) Section 502.170;
 (4) Subsection (c), Section 502.1705;
 (5) Section 502.187;
 (6) Subsection (c), Section 502.201;
 (7) Section 502.453;
 (8) Subsection (b), Section 504.409; and
 (9) Section 504.5011.
 SECTION 40. Sections 1 through 16 of this Act take effect
 September 1, 2009. Sections 17 through 39 of this Act take effect
 September 1, 2011.
 ______________________________ ______________________________
 President of the Senate Speaker of the House
 I certify that H.B. No. 2553 was passed by the House on April
 22, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 149, Nays 0, 1 present, not
 voting; that the House refused to concur in Senate amendments to
 H.B. No. 2553 on May 29, 2009, and requested the appointment of a
 conference committee to consider the differences between the two
 houses; and that the House adopted the conference committee report
 on H.B. No. 2553 on May 31, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 145,
 Nays 0, 1 present, not voting.
 ______________________________
 Chief Clerk of the House
 I certify that H.B. No. 2553 was passed by the Senate, with
 amendments, on May 27, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays
 1; at the request of the House, the Senate appointed a conference
 committee to consider the differences between the two houses; and
 that the Senate adopted the conference committee report on H.B. No.
 2553 on June 1, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
 ______________________________
 Secretary of the Senate
 APPROVED: __________________
 Date
 __________________
 Governor

Weight Classification Fee Schedule

in pounds

6,001-10,000 $54.00

10,001-18,000 $110.00

18,001-25,999 $205.00

26,000-40,000 $340.00

40,001-54,999 $535.00

55,000-70,000 $740.00

70,001-80,000 $840.00

[Gross weight Fee for each 100 pounds or

[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds

 [Equipped with Equipped with

 [pneumatic tires solid tires

[1-6,000 $0.44 $0.55

[6,001-8,000 0.495 0.66

[8,001-10,000 0.605 0.77

[10,001-17,000 0.715 0.88

[17,001-24,000 0.77 0.99

[24,001-31,000 0.88 1.10

[31,001 and over 0.99 1.32]

 [Fee for each 100 pounds

[Gross weight in or

[pounds fraction of 100 pounds

[1-4,000 $0.275

[4,001-6,000 0.55

[6,001-8,000 0.66

[8,001-10,000 0.825

[10,001 and over 1.10]

[Gross weight Fee for each 100 pounds or

[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds

 [Equipped with Equipped with

 [pneumatic tires solid tires

[1-6,000 $0.33 $0.44

[6,001-8,000 0.44 0.55

[8,001-10,000 0.55 0.66

[10,001-17,000 0.66 0.88

[17,001 and over 0.715 0.99]

 [Fee for each 100 pounds

[Combined gross weight or

[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds

[18,000-36,000 $0.60

[36,001-42,000 0.75

[42,001-62,000 0.90

[62,001 and over 1.00]

 [Fee for each 100 pounds

[Gross weight or

[in pounds fraction of 100 pounds

[1-6,000 $0.44

[6,001-8,000 0.495

[8,001-10,000 0.605

[10,001-17,000 0.715

[17,001-24,000 0.77

[24,001-31,000 0.88

[31,001 and over 0.99]

 [License plates issued under: Fee:

 [Section 504.411 $2

 [Section 504.409 $9]