BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 923

By: Flynn

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas military forces, also known as the Arrowhead Division or the Texas Division, is currently the largest standing single formation of soldiers in the state military forces. The parties further point out that members of the esteemed division have included some of the most decorated soldiers of World War II. While current law provides for the issuance of specialty license plates for veterans with certain military affiliations and rewards, H.B. 923 seeks to similarly honor those veterans who have served in the 36th Infantry Division.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 923 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue specialty license plates for persons who have served in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard that include the words "36th Infantry Division" at the bottom of each plate and the 36th Infantry Division emblem. The bill requires TxDMV, on request, to issue a souvenir version of the specialty license plate.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.