Texas House Bill HB3547

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement that the name of a state agency be printed on certain state motor vehicles.

Impact

The passage of HB3547 could lead to less uniformity in how state vehicles are labeled, as it empowers certain agencies such as the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Department of Public Safety to opt-out from displaying their names. This has implications for public transparency, where the visibility of government operations could be reduced if agencies choose to maintain anonymity on their vehicles. Proponents may argue that it preserves the operational integrity and security of specific departments.

Summary

House Bill 3547 proposes to amend the Transportation Code regarding the requirement for state agencies to display their names on certain state motor vehicles. Specifically, the bill allows the governing bodies of designated state agencies or divisions to exempt their vehicles from this requirement through rulemaking. This amendment is aimed at providing some flexibility for agencies that may not wish to have their names prominently displayed due to various operational reasons.

Contention

While there may not be significant public outcry over HB3547, the allowance for exemptions raises questions about accountability and public awareness. Opponents could argue that removing the name from state vehicles makes it harder for citizens to identify government resources and assistance. This bill underscores the tension between operational discretion and the need for transparent governance. As such, the discussion surrounding the bill could involve considerations of whether the benefits of operational flexibility outweigh the potential drawbacks in public visibility.