Q
What does Texas SB1568 do?
SB1568 mandates the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue a new specialty license plate bearing the slogan "Spay. Neuter. Adopt.
Signed Into Law
Signed May 24, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB1568
Regular Session
Relating to the issuance of animal friendly specialty license plates.
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1568: Government Affairs Overview
SB1568 mandates the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue a new specialty license plate bearing the slogan "Spay. Neuter. Adopt.
Sen. Judith Zaffirini·Senate Bill·Regular Session
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Business Impact
Who SB1568 Affects
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Regulatory Priority: low
Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review during normal business planning.
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Transportation
Affected business types:
- Trucking companies
- Towing operators
- Fleet operators
- Logistics providers
Key Operational Considerations
- 1System Updates: Ensure webDEALER and Registration and Title System (RTS) interfaces are updated to include the new alphanumeric code for this specific plate once released by TxDMV.
- 2Pass-Through Cost: The fee for the plate is paid by the consumer (or fleet operator).
- 3Revenue Allocation: Fees generated are deposited into the Animal Friendly Account (Health & Safety Code § 828.014) to fund sterilization grants.
Estimated Cost Impact
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
Enforcing Agencies
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SB1568
LowRelating to the issuance of animal friendly specialty license plates.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01Enforcing Agencies
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Primary Author: Sen. Judith Zaffirini
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
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Compliance Analysis
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: September 1, 2025
- Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Dealership systems must recognize the new plate code).
- Agency Rulemaking: TxDMV is required to design the plate and assign a fee structure prior to the effective date. No public comment period is expected for the design phase.
Immediate Action Plan
- Dealerships: Schedule a system update check for late August 2025 to ensure the new plate code is active in your RTS.
- Sales Managers: Issue a memo to F&I staff on September 1, 2025, clarifying the difference between the two animal-related specialty plates now available.
- Non-Profits: Monitor Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announcements in Q4 2025 for potential increases in grant availability due to this new revenue stream.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
No action required. This legislation does not alter vendor agreements or liability limits.
Hiring/Training
Automotive Dealerships (F&I Dept):
- Differentiation Training: Staff must be trained to distinguish between the existing "Animal Friendly" plate (Subsection a) and this new "Spay. Neuter. Adopt." plate (Subsection a-1). Ordering the wrong plate code will result in processing delays and customer complaints.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
Title Service Companies:
- System Updates: Ensure webDEALER and Registration and Title System (RTS) interfaces are updated to include the new alphanumeric code for this specific plate once released by TxDMV.
Fees & Costs
- Pass-Through Cost: The fee for the plate is paid by the consumer (or fleet operator).
- Revenue Allocation: Fees generated are deposited into the Animal Friendly Account (Health & Safety Code § 828.014) to fund sterilization grants.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
Design and Marketing: The statute mandates the text "Spay. Neuter. Adopt." but leaves the visual design to TxDMV discretion. Non-profit stakeholders and marketing partners cannot finalize promotional materials until TxDMV releases the official plate proof, likely in Summer 2025.
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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.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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House Sponsor
Fiscal NoteView Original
Related Legislation
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More from Sen. Judith Zaffirini
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- SB1164Relating to emergency detention of certain persons evidencing mental illness and to court-ordered inpatient and extended mental health services.
- SB1254Relating to the regulation of professional employer organizations.
- SB1255Relating to the regulation of mold assessors and remediators.
- SB1335Relating to decedents' estates.
Related by Topic
- HB1893Relating to the disclosure under the public information law of a motor vehicle license plate number captured in a video recording obtained or maintained by a law enforcement agency.
- HB2686Relating to the registration of frac tanks; authorizing a fee.
- HB3135Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for retired firefighters.
- HB791Relating to the issuance of Central Catholic High School specialty license plates.
- SB1902Relating to the administration of the dealer-issued license plates database and to the removal and transfer of license plates.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SB1568
Q
Who authored SB1568?
SB1568 was authored by Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini during the Regular Session.
Q
When was SB1568 signed into law?
SB1568 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 24, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce SB1568?
SB1568 is enforced by Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Q
How significant are the changes in SB1568?
The regulatory priority for SB1568 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
Q
What is the cost impact of SB1568?
The cost impact of SB1568 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does SB1568 address?
SB1568 addresses topics including animals, vehicles & traffic, vehicles & traffic--equipment, license plates and motor vehicles, texas department of.
Q
What are the key dates for SB1568?
Key dates for SB1568: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Must design and make available for issuance specialty license plates bearing the words 'Spay. Neuter. Adopt.' (2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?
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.
Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026