Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB3135 mandates the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue specialty license plates to retired firefighters at no cost to the applicant. While this legislation carries no impact for general industry, automotive dealerships and title service companies must update their billing systems to ensure these specific plates are processed with a $0. 00 fee to avoid overcharging liabilities.
Rep. John Smithee·House Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review during normal business planning.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
No action required. This statute grants a benefit to individuals and does not alter vendor agreements, employment contracts, or municipal service agreements.
Automotive & Title Services Only:
Private Fire Protection Services:
The statute defines *who* is eligible (retired personnel defined under Gov. Code 419.021) but fails to define the Evidentiary Standard.
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB3135
HB3135 mandates the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue specialty license plates to retired firefighters at no cost to the applicant. While this legislation carries no impact for general industry, automotive dealerships and title service companies must update their billing systems to ensure these specific plates are processed with a $0. 00 fee to avoid overcharging liabilities.
HB3135 was authored by Texas Representative John Smithee during the Regular Session.
HB3135 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 24, 2025.
HB3135 is enforced by Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
The regulatory priority for HB3135 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB3135 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB3135 addresses topics including fire fighters & police, fire fighters & police--general, vehicles & traffic, vehicles & traffic--vehicle registration and license plates.
Key dates for HB3135: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Design and issue specialty license plates for retired firefighters (operational implementation required by effective date). (2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
