Texas House Bill HB2982

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the fees for certain license plates.

Impact

The bill's provisions will have a significant impact on how fees for specialty license plates are structured and collected. It seeks to streamline the financial processes by specifying that a portion of each fee will go towards administrative costs, while the remainder will be allocated to either the state highway fund or a designated account based on the sponsor's specifications. The aim is to ensure that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles can effectively manage costs associated with license plate issuance and marketing.

Summary

House Bill 2982 introduces changes related to the issuance and fees associated with specialty license plates under Texas law. The bill amends several sections of the Transportation Code, particularly those regarding personalized and souvenir license plates. It establishes a set fee structure for these plates, ensuring that the fees collected cover the administrative costs and contribute to designated funds such as the state highway fund or the specialty license plate fund.

Contention

Despite the structured fees, there may be contention regarding the influence of private vendors in the marketing and sale of specialty plates. The bill allows private vendors to play a significant role in the sale process, which could raise concerns about privatization and the potential for increased fees charged to consumers. There are underlying implications regarding how these changes could affect the availability and customization of specialty plates, particularly those established before September 1, 2009, which may lead to discussions on consumer rights and preferences.

Notable_points

Another key aspect of the bill is the provision for personalized license plates issued before the specified date, allowing holders to renew their plates while maintaining priority over their chosen alphanumeric patterns. This provision suggests an effort to balance consumer interest in personalization with administrative efficiency, as it sets guidelines for prioritization and fees for these plates moving forward.