BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 625 83R1026 JAM-D By: Harper-Brown (Carona) Transportation 5/1/2013 Engrossed BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 625 83R1026 JAM-D By: Harper-Brown (Carona) Transportation 5/1/2013 Engrossed Senate Research Center H.B. 625 83R1026 JAM-D By: Harper-Brown (Carona) Transportation 5/1/2013 Engrossed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Recent legislation inadvertently removed a section of law that set a fine for operating a vehicle without license plates. License plates are necessary for law enforcement officers to identify vehicles effectively and to maintain public safety. A penalty is necessary to ensure compliance with the law. H.B. 625 seeks to hold drivers accountable by restoring the penalty for operating a vehicle without license plates as a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. H.B. 625 amends current law relating to the penalty for the operation of a vehicle without a license plate. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 504.943, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (e), to provide that an offense under this section (Operation of Vehicle Without License Plates) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. SECTION 2. Makes application of the change in law made by this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2013. AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Recent legislation inadvertently removed a section of law that set a fine for operating a vehicle without license plates. License plates are necessary for law enforcement officers to identify vehicles effectively and to maintain public safety. A penalty is necessary to ensure compliance with the law. H.B. 625 seeks to hold drivers accountable by restoring the penalty for operating a vehicle without license plates as a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. H.B. 625 amends current law relating to the penalty for the operation of a vehicle without a license plate. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 504.943, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (e), to provide that an offense under this section (Operation of Vehicle Without License Plates) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. SECTION 2. Makes application of the change in law made by this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2013.