Texas Senate Bill SB1616

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/8/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the fees for and issuance of certain license plates.

Impact

SB1616 introduces changes that specifically outline the fees for personalized and specialty license plates while specifying the distribution of these fees to various funds, including the general revenue fund and the state highway fund. For instance, the fee for personalized plates issued before 2009 is established at $40, with a certain portion allocated for administrative costs. This restructuring is intended to maintain financial viability and accountability in the administration of license plates, ensuring that adequate resources are available for both regulatory oversight and transportation infrastructure.

Summary

Senate Bill 1616 focuses on the fees associated with the issuance of certain types of license plates in Texas, including personalized and specialty plates. The bill amends various sections of the Transportation Code to update the fee structures, which were originally established before September 1, 2009. These updates aim to provide a clearer framework for how license plates can be personalized, as well as the associated costs, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the registration process and revenue generation for state funds.

Contention

While the bill has garnered overall support, it may face scrutiny regarding the amount of fees imposed on the public and how these fees are utilized. Some stakeholders may argue that increased fees, even for specialty plates, could limit accessibility for residents who wish to customize their vehicle's appearance through personalized plates. Furthermore, the shift to private vendors for marketing these plates raises questions about the potential for prioritizing profit over public interests, which could generate a debate about the role of private entities in public services.