Relating to the issuance of Central Catholic High School specialty license plates.
Summary
HB 791 authorizes the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a specialty license plate for Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. The plate must include the phrase “With Loyal Hearts” and the school’s logo, and the department is directed to design the plate in consultation with a school representative.
The bill also specifies how the specialty plate fees are handled: after the department deducts its administrative costs, the remaining revenue is deposited to the state’s general revenue fund. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 791 amends Subchapter G, Chapter 504 of the Texas Transportation Code by adding a new section governing a Central Catholic High School specialty license plate. It creates a new authorized plate design and establishes the fee disposition rule for proceeds after administrative costs, affecting the Department of Motor Vehicles, specialty plate applicants, and state revenue accounting.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have generally favorable legislative support, as reflected by its passage in both chambers and final enactment. However, the recorded House votes show a notable minority of opposition, suggesting that while the measure was broadly accepted, it was not unanimous. No committee transcript is available to indicate detailed debate, so the overall sentiment can be characterized as supportive but with some dissent.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether the state should authorize a specialty plate for a specific private religious school, rather than a more general public-purpose plate. The House vote margins indicate some members opposed the measure, likely reflecting concerns about the proliferation of specialty plates, the use of state resources for a school-specific design, or the appropriateness of a religious-affiliated institution receiving a state-issued plate. No transcript is available to identify specific speakers or arguments.