Texas Senate passes bill for specialty plates honoring disabled peace officers

On April 16, 2025, the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation convened to discuss significant legislation aimed at supporting disabled peace officers. The meeting highlighted Senate Bill 2001, which proposes the creation of a specialty license plate program for peace officers who have been permanently disabled in the line of duty.

The bill seeks to honor the service of these individuals by allowing them to register one personal vehicle without the standard registration fees, aside from a nominal $3 fee for the specialty plate. Additionally, disabled peace officers would benefit from free or discounted toll road usage. The legislation also includes provisions for displaying the international symbol of access on their plates, granting them parking privileges in designated disability spaces.

The committee emphasized the importance of this bill in light of the risks faced by peace officers. Between 2022 and 2024, Texas experienced 67 line-of-duty deaths among peace officers, with over 10,000 injuries reported in 2023 alone. While the exact number of permanent disabilities remains unclear, the bill aims to provide necessary support to those who have sacrificed their health for community safety.

The committee substitute for the bill clarifies that applicants must demonstrate a mobility problem that significantly impairs their ability to walk to qualify for the parking privileges. However, the fiscal implications of the bill remain uncertain, as there is no comprehensive data on the number of disabled retired peace officers in Texas. Estimates suggest that if around 1,000 officers were to register under this program, it could result in a revenue loss of approximately $246,000 to the highway fund over five years.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored a strong bipartisan support for the bill, reflecting a commitment to honor and assist those who have dedicated their lives to public service. As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on finalizing the details of the legislation and addressing any outstanding questions regarding its implementation.