BILL ANALYSIS
| Senate Research Center | S.B. 2007 |
| 89R4313 JRR-D | By: Hagenbuch |
| | Veteran Affairs |
| | 4/11/2025 |
| | As Filed |
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 2007 seeks to enhance the recognition of military service members in the state's motor vehicle registration system. Currently, there is no standardized process for vehicle owners to voluntarily disclose their military status when registering or renewing their vehicle registration. This lack of information limits the state's ability to efficiently provide relevant benefits, protections, or services to military personnel.
Under existing Texas Transportation Code, individuals are required to register their motor vehicles with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). While special military plates and designations exist for certain groups, there is no general mechanism for vehicle owners to voluntarily disclose their military status within the registration system. This prevents the state from maintaining a comprehensive record of military-affiliated vehicle owners for administrative or service-related purposes.
S.B. 2007 introduces a voluntary option for vehicle registration applicants to disclose their status as members of the United States Armed Forces. If an individual chooses to provide this information, the TxDMV will record and store their military status as part of the vehicle registration records. This designation will also be included in any reports or record inquiries related to the registered vehicle.
This system allows for easier identification of military personnel for purposes such as:
�Streamlining access to military-related exemptions or benefits tied to vehicle registration.
�Providing a reliable database for emergency responders or state agencies to support service members more effectively.
�Enhancing the accuracy of state data regarding active military personnel in Texas.
S.B. 2007 provides a voluntary, non-intrusive mechanism for military service members to disclose their status when registering their vehicles. By integrating this information into state records, the bill enhances the state's ability to provide relevant services and recognition to military personnel. While privacy concerns may be raised, the voluntary nature of this disclosure ensures that service members retain control over their personal information, making this legislation a practical and beneficial step forward for the Texas military community.
As proposed, S.B. 2007 amends current law relating to the voluntary disclosure by an applicant for registration of a motor vehicle of the applicant's military status.
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 Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, by adding Section 502.013, as follows:
Sec. 502.013. VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE OF MILITARY STATUS BY REGISTRATION APPLICANT. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), when a person registers or renews the registration of a motor vehicle under Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles), to provide the person with the option to indicate whether the person is a member of the United States armed forces.
(b) Requires TxDMV, if a person indicates under Subsection (a) that the person is a member of the United States armed forces, to include the person's status as a member of the United States armed forces in TxDMV's vehicle registration records for the vehicle described by Subsection (a) and with any record information released by TxDMV relating to TxDMV's vehicle registration records for the vehicle described by Subsection (a), including a report issued by TxDMV for the vehicle.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
