Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
9 bills that modify the Transportation Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
HB 53 - Disaster relief vehicles do not have to pay registration fees
HB 64
HB 108 - Specialty plates
HB 198
HB 282 - Specialty plates
HB 433 - Commercial fleets have at least 12 vehicles
HB 627 - Specialty plates
HB 628 - Specialty plates
HB 659 - Specialty plates
9 bills that modify the Transportation Code
Published: 2026-05-14
Multiple short modifications
HB 53 - 3 pages
Organizations that own vehicles that are exclusively used for emergencies, training, equipment maintenance, transportation of disaster relief supplies, or disaster relief are exempt from registration fees. Nice feature - I wander if Texans on a Mission qualifies?
HB 64 - 2 pages
For peace officers that are authorized for police escorts for public safety purposes, a section is added here to cover an addition made elsewhere.
HB 108 -3 pages
Specialty license plates for teachers and retired teachers were designed. They are meant for those who are teaching and have been for at least 15 years, or those that retired from teaching for at least 20 years. A teaching license plate fee is $10 and a retired teaching license plate is $5.
HB 198 - 3 pages
A travel trailer owner must submit an affidavit stating that the vehicle was inspected and meets proper and safe conditions in compliance with the Transportation Code. The fee when registering it is the $7.50 safety inspection fee - much like everyone pays in Texas.
HB 282 - 4 pages
There is a specialty license plate for those who received the Texas Homeland Defense Service Medal, Texas Superior Service Medal, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit.
It also clarifies that immediate family members include adoptive parents, adoptive child, foster parent, foster child, stepparent and stepchild.
HB 433 - 2 pages
Commercial fleet has at least 12 vehicles owned by a corporation, limited or general partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity.
HB 627 - 2 pages
Specialty plates are available for Star of Texas Award recipients, or their surviving spouse.
HB 628 - 3 pages
Specialty plates are available to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The department may deduct administrative costs, and the remaining fee will be deposited in an account to be used for Employees Retirement System of Texas. It will provide financial assistance to surviving family members of those killed in the line of duty.
HB 659 - 2 pages
Specialty plates are available for recipients of the Commendation Medal.
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