S.B. No. 2705 proposes amendments to the Transportation Code regarding fees for specialty license plates and vehicle registration exemptions for certain agricultural vehicles. The bill introduces a new section, 502.147, which exempts owners from registering farm trailers or semitrailers with a gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less, as well as farm tractors and implements of husbandry, provided they are only operated temporarily on highways. Additionally, it modifies existing sections to include new exemptions from registration fees for specific specialty license plates, including those for volunteer firefighters and fire protection personnel, stating that there will be no fee for the issuance of these plates.

The bill also updates the terminology used in the law, changing references from "Firemen's" to "Firefighters'" in relation to the Fire Marshals' Association of Texas. The overall intent of the legislation is to reduce the financial burden on owners of certain agricultural vehicles and to streamline the process for obtaining specialty license plates for emergency service personnel. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 504.3015, Transportation Code 504.512, Transportation Code 504.513, Transportation Code 504.516 (Transportation Code 504)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 504.3015, Transportation Code 504.512, Transportation Code 504.513, Transportation Code 504.516 (Transportation Code 504)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 504.3015, Transportation Code 504.512, Transportation Code 504.513, Transportation Code 504.516 (Transportation Code 504)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 504.3015, Transportation Code 504.512, Transportation Code 504.513, Transportation Code 504.516 (Transportation Code 504)