BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 625

By: Harper-Brown

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent legislation removed a law that set a fine for operating a vehicle without a license plate. In an effort to ensure that law enforcement officers are able to effectively identify vehicles and to maintain public safety, interested parties contend that drivers should be held accountable for failing to have a front license plate on their vehicle. H.B. 625 seeks to hold drivers accountable by reestablishing a penalty for operating a vehicle without a license plate.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 625 amends the Transportation Code to classify a violation of statutory provisions relating to the operation of a vehicle without a license plate as a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.