+BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 2001 89R12971 RDR-D By: King Transportation 4/10/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Since 1949, Texas has issued specialty license plates for disabled veterans to recognize their service and provide certain benefits such as parking privileges, free or discounted toll road access, and registration fee exemptions. Eligible veterans may receive one disabled veteran license plate for a $3 annual specialty plate fee. Additional sets of DV plates may be obtained, but standard registration and local fees apply. S.B. 2001 establishes a similar specialty plate to honor and provide benefits for Texas peace officers who were permanently disabled in the line of duty. This bill allows disabled peace officers to apply for and receive a specialty plate. A specialty plate would allow an officer to register one personal vehicle without paying standard registration fees, receive free or discounted use of toll roads and, if eligible, receive disabled parking privileges. As proposed, S.B. 2001 amends current law relating to the registration of vehicles, the issuance of disabled parking placards, and certain benefits associated with that registration or issuance for certain peace officers with disabilities and authorizes a fee. 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 the heading to Section 372.053, Transportation Code, to read as follows: Sec. 372.053. PEACE OFFICER AND VETERAN DISCOUNT PROGRAM. SECTION 2. Amends Section 372.053(a-1), Transportation Code, as follows: (a-1) Requires that a program established under Subsection (a) (relating to authorizing a toll project entity to establish a discount program for electronic toll collection customers) include free or discounted use of the entity's toll project by an electronic toll collection customer whose account relates to a vehicle registered under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025. SECTION 3. Amends Section 502.410(b), Transportation Code, as effective July 1, 2025, to provide that Subsection (a) (relating to providing that a person commits an offense if the person knowingly provides false or incorrect information or without legal authority signs the name of another person on a statement or application filed or given) does not apply to a statement or application filed or given under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d). SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 504, Transportation Code, by adding Section 504.2025, as follows: Sec. 504.2025. PEACE OFFICERS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) Defines "peace officer." (b) Authorizes a person entitled to specialty license plates under this section to register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Provides that registration under this section is valid for one year. (c) Provides that a peace officer is entitled to register, for the person's own use, motor vehicles under this section if the person is disabled as a result of an injury suffered during the course and scope of the person's employment as a peace officer and the motor vehicle is owned by the person and has a gross vehicle weight of 18,000 pounds or less or is a motor home. (d) Authorizes a person described by Subsection (c) who is eligible to receive license plates under Section 504.201 (Persons With Disabilities) to elect to receive license plates under this section that include the symbol described by Section 504.201(f) (relating to requiring that a license plate issued include a certain symbol of access). Requires that the initial application for license plates under this subsection be accompanied by: (1) the written statement required by Section 504.201(d) (relating to requiring that the initial application for specialty license plates to be accompanied by a written statement from a physician who meets certain qualifications); (2) a written statement completed by the chief law enforcement officer of the law enforcement agency that employed the person, certifying that the person is disabled as a result of an injury suffered during the course and scope of the person's employment as a peace officer; and (3) any other information required for an application under this section. (e) Requires that license plates issued under this section, other than license plates issued under Subsection (h), include the letters "DPO" on the plate if the plate is issued for a vehicle other than a motorcycle and the words "Disabled Peace Officer" at the bottom of each license plate. (f) Provides that the fee for the first set of license plates is $3. Provides that there is no fee for each additional set of license plates. (g) Authorizes a person who receives license plates under Subsection (d) to receive a disabled parking placard under Section 681.004 (Issuance of Parking Placard; Expiration) for each set of license plates. (h) Authorizes a person entitled to license plates under this section to elect to receive license plates issued under Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles) under the same conditions for the issuance of license plates under this section. (i) Authorizes a license plate with the letters "DPO" to be personalized with up to four characters. (j) Authorizes a person entitled to license plates under this section to instead use, for a vehicle that meets the requirements of Section 504.501 (Classic Motor Vehicles and Travel Trailers; Custom Vehicles; Street Rods) or 504.502 (Certain Exhibition Vehicles), disabled peace officer license plates issued by this state that: (1) are embossed with an alphanumeric pattern; (2) are of a plate design that was issued in the same year as the model year of the vehicle; (3) are approved for use by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and (4) include the symbol described by Section 504.201(f), if the person satisfies the requirements for the issuance of license plates under Subsection (d) and elects to include the symbol on the plates. (k) Provides that a reference in law to license plates issued under Subsection (d) includes disabled peace officer license plates described by Subsection (j)(4). SECTION 5. Amends Section 681.004(a), Transportation Code, to authorize a person with a permanent disability to receive two disabled parking placards, if the person receives two sets of special license plates under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d). SECTION 6. Amends the heading to Section 681.008, Transportation Code, to read as follows: Sec. 681.008. PARKING PRIVILEGES: CERTAIN PEACE OFFICERS, VETERANS, AND MILITARY AWARD RECIPIENTS. SECTION 7. Amends Sections 681.008(a) and (b), Transportation Code, as follows: (a) Authorizes a vehicle to be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if the vehicle displays special license plates issued under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d). (b) Provides that a vehicle on which license plates issued under Section 504.2025 are displayed is exempt from the payment of a parking fee collected through a parking meter charged by a governmental authority other than a branch of the federal government, when being operated by or for the transportation of: (1) the person who registered the vehicle under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(b); (2) a person described in certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(c) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; or (3) makes no changes to this subdivision. SECTION 8. Amends Section 681.009(e), Transportation Code, as follows: (e) Authorizes parking spaces or areas designated for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities to be used by vehicles displaying a white on blue shield disabled parking placard, license plates issued under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d), or white on red shield disabled parking placard. Makes nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 9. Amends Sections 681.011(a), (b), (l), and (m), Transportation Code, as follows: (a) Provides that a person commits an offense if the person stands a vehicle on which are displayed license plates issued under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d) or a disabled parking placard in a parking space or area designated specifically for persons with disabilities by a political subdivision or certain persons. Makes nonsubstantive changes. (b)-(l) Makes conforming changes to these subsections. (m) Provides that Subsections (n) (relating to an offense described in Subsection (m) that is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of a certain amount or a certain amount of community service) and (o) (relating to requiring the court to dismiss a charge for an offense described by Subsection (m) if the person meets certain requirements) apply only to a person who commits an offense under Subsection (b) when the vehicle: (1) displays special license plates issued under: (A) creates this paragraph from existing text and makes a nonsubstantive change. (B) Section 504.2025 other than a special license plate issued under Section 504.2025(d); and (2) makes no changes to this subdivision. SECTION 10. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
+BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2001
89R12971 RDR-D By: King
Transportation
4/10/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 2001
89R12971 RDR-D
By: King
Transportation
4/10/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Since 1949, Texas has issued specialty license plates for disabled veterans to recognize their service and provide certain benefits such as parking privileges, free or discounted toll road access, and registration fee exemptions. Eligible veterans may receive one disabled veteran license plate for a $3 annual specialty plate fee. Additional sets of DV plates may be obtained, but standard registration and local fees apply.
S.B. 2001 establishes a similar specialty plate to honor and provide benefits for Texas peace officers who were permanently disabled in the line of duty.
This bill allows disabled peace officers to apply for and receive a specialty plate. A specialty plate would allow an officer to register one personal vehicle without paying standard registration fees, receive free or discounted use of toll roads and, if eligible, receive disabled parking privileges.
As proposed, S.B. 2001 amends current law relating to the registration of vehicles, the issuance of disabled parking placards, and certain benefits associated with that registration or issuance for certain peace officers with disabilities and authorizes a fee.
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 the heading to Section 372.053, Transportation Code, to read as follows:
Sec. 372.053. PEACE OFFICER AND VETERAN DISCOUNT PROGRAM.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 372.053(a-1), Transportation Code, as follows:
(a-1) Requires that a program established under Subsection (a) (relating to authorizing a toll project entity to establish a discount program for electronic toll collection customers) include free or discounted use of the entity's toll project by an electronic toll collection customer whose account relates to a vehicle registered under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 502.410(b), Transportation Code, as effective July 1, 2025, to provide that Subsection (a) (relating to providing that a person commits an offense if the person knowingly provides false or incorrect information or without legal authority signs the name of another person on a statement or application filed or given) does not apply to a statement or application filed or given under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d).
SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 504, Transportation Code, by adding Section 504.2025, as follows:
Sec. 504.2025. PEACE OFFICERS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) Defines "peace officer."
(b) Authorizes a person entitled to specialty license plates under this section to register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Provides that registration under this section is valid for one year.
(c) Provides that a peace officer is entitled to register, for the person's own use, motor vehicles under this section if the person is disabled as a result of an injury suffered during the course and scope of the person's employment as a peace officer and the motor vehicle is owned by the person and has a gross vehicle weight of 18,000 pounds or less or is a motor home.
(d) Authorizes a person described by Subsection (c) who is eligible to receive license plates under Section 504.201 (Persons With Disabilities) to elect to receive license plates under this section that include the symbol described by Section 504.201(f) (relating to requiring that a license plate issued include a certain symbol of access). Requires that the initial application for license plates under this subsection be accompanied by:
(1) the written statement required by Section 504.201(d) (relating to requiring that the initial application for specialty license plates to be accompanied by a written statement from a physician who meets certain qualifications);
(2) a written statement completed by the chief law enforcement officer of the law enforcement agency that employed the person, certifying that the person is disabled as a result of an injury suffered during the course and scope of the person's employment as a peace officer; and
(3) any other information required for an application under this section.
(e) Requires that license plates issued under this section, other than license plates issued under Subsection (h), include the letters "DPO" on the plate if the plate is issued for a vehicle other than a motorcycle and the words "Disabled Peace Officer" at the bottom of each license plate.
(f) Provides that the fee for the first set of license plates is $3. Provides that there is no fee for each additional set of license plates.
(g) Authorizes a person who receives license plates under Subsection (d) to receive a disabled parking placard under Section 681.004 (Issuance of Parking Placard; Expiration) for each set of license plates.
(h) Authorizes a person entitled to license plates under this section to elect to receive license plates issued under Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles) under the same conditions for the issuance of license plates under this section.
(i) Authorizes a license plate with the letters "DPO" to be personalized with up to four characters.
(j) Authorizes a person entitled to license plates under this section to instead use, for a vehicle that meets the requirements of Section 504.501 (Classic Motor Vehicles and Travel Trailers; Custom Vehicles; Street Rods) or 504.502 (Certain Exhibition Vehicles), disabled peace officer license plates issued by this state that:
(1) are embossed with an alphanumeric pattern;
(2) are of a plate design that was issued in the same year as the model year of the vehicle;
(3) are approved for use by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and
(4) include the symbol described by Section 504.201(f), if the person satisfies the requirements for the issuance of license plates under Subsection (d) and elects to include the symbol on the plates.
(k) Provides that a reference in law to license plates issued under Subsection (d) includes disabled peace officer license plates described by Subsection (j)(4).
SECTION 5. Amends Section 681.004(a), Transportation Code, to authorize a person with a permanent disability to receive two disabled parking placards, if the person receives two sets of special license plates under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d).
SECTION 6. Amends the heading to Section 681.008, Transportation Code, to read as follows:
Sec. 681.008. PARKING PRIVILEGES: CERTAIN PEACE OFFICERS, VETERANS, AND MILITARY AWARD RECIPIENTS.
SECTION 7. Amends Sections 681.008(a) and (b), Transportation Code, as follows:
(a) Authorizes a vehicle to be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if the vehicle displays special license plates issued under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d).
(b) Provides that a vehicle on which license plates issued under Section 504.2025 are displayed is exempt from the payment of a parking fee collected through a parking meter charged by a governmental authority other than a branch of the federal government, when being operated by or for the transportation of:
(1) the person who registered the vehicle under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(b);
(2) a person described in certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(c) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; or
(3) makes no changes to this subdivision.
SECTION 8. Amends Section 681.009(e), Transportation Code, as follows:
(e) Authorizes parking spaces or areas designated for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities to be used by vehicles displaying a white on blue shield disabled parking placard, license plates issued under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d), or white on red shield disabled parking placard. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 9. Amends Sections 681.011(a), (b), (l), and (m), Transportation Code, as follows:
(a) Provides that a person commits an offense if the person stands a vehicle on which are displayed license plates issued under certain provisions, including Section 504.2025(d) or a disabled parking placard in a parking space or area designated specifically for persons with disabilities by a political subdivision or certain persons. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
(b)-(l) Makes conforming changes to these subsections.
(m) Provides that Subsections (n) (relating to an offense described in Subsection (m) that is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of a certain amount or a certain amount of community service) and (o) (relating to requiring the court to dismiss a charge for an offense described by Subsection (m) if the person meets certain requirements) apply only to a person who commits an offense under Subsection (b) when the vehicle:
(1) displays special license plates issued under:
(A) creates this paragraph from existing text and makes a nonsubstantive change.
(B) Section 504.2025 other than a special license plate issued under Section 504.2025(d); and
(2) makes no changes to this subdivision.
SECTION 10. Effective date: September 1, 2025.