Q
What does Texas SB1568 do?
SB1568 mandates the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to issue a new specialty license plate bearing the slogan "Spay. Neuter. Adopt.
SB1568
Regular Session
Relating to the issuance of animal friendly specialty license plates.
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
SB1568
LowRelating to the issuance of animal friendly specialty license plates.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01Enforcing Agencies
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Primary Author: Sen. Judith Zaffirini
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01
Compliance Analysis
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: September 1, 2025
- Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Dealership systems must recognize the new plate code).
- Agency Rulemaking: TxDMV is required to design the plate and assign a fee structure prior to the effective date. No public comment period is expected for the design phase.
Immediate Action Plan
- Dealerships: Schedule a system update check for late August 2025 to ensure the new plate code is active in your RTS.
- Sales Managers: Issue a memo to F&I staff on September 1, 2025, clarifying the difference between the two animal-related specialty plates now available.
- Non-Profits: Monitor Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announcements in Q4 2025 for potential increases in grant availability due to this new revenue stream.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
No action required. This legislation does not alter vendor agreements or liability limits.
Hiring/Training
Automotive Dealerships (F&I Dept):
- Differentiation Training: Staff must be trained to distinguish between the existing "Animal Friendly" plate (Subsection a) and this new "Spay. Neuter. Adopt." plate (Subsection a-1). Ordering the wrong plate code will result in processing delays and customer complaints.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
Title Service Companies:
- System Updates: Ensure webDEALER and Registration and Title System (RTS) interfaces are updated to include the new alphanumeric code for this specific plate once released by TxDMV.
Fees & Costs
- Pass-Through Cost: The fee for the plate is paid by the consumer (or fleet operator).
- Revenue Allocation: Fees generated are deposited into the Animal Friendly Account (Health & Safety Code § 828.014) to fund sterilization grants.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
Design and Marketing: The statute mandates the text "Spay. Neuter. Adopt." but leaves the visual design to TxDMV discretion. Non-profit stakeholders and marketing partners cannot finalize promotional materials until TxDMV releases the official plate proof, likely in Summer 2025.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
03
House Sponsor
Fiscal NoteView Original
Related Legislation
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
More from Sen. Judith Zaffirini
- SB1036Relating to the regulation of residential solar retail transactions; requiring an occupational registration; authorizing fees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
- SB1164Relating to emergency detention of certain persons evidencing mental illness and to court-ordered inpatient and extended mental health services.
- SB1254Relating to the regulation of professional employer organizations.
- SB1255Relating to the regulation of mold assessors and remediators.
- SB1335Relating to decedents' estates.
Related by Topic
- HB1893Relating to the disclosure under the public information law of a motor vehicle license plate number captured in a video recording obtained or maintained by a law enforcement agency.
- HB2686Relating to the registration of frac tanks; authorizing a fee.
- HB3135Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for retired firefighters.
- HB791Relating to the issuance of Central Catholic High School specialty license plates.
- SB1902Relating to the administration of the dealer-issued license plates database and to the removal and transfer of license plates.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SB1568
Q
Who authored SB1568?
SB1568 was authored by Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini during the Regular Session.
Q
When was SB1568 signed into law?
SB1568 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 24, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce SB1568?
SB1568 is enforced by Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Q
How urgent is compliance with SB1568?
The compliance urgency for SB1568 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
Q
What is the cost impact of SB1568?
The cost impact of SB1568 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does SB1568 address?
SB1568 addresses topics including animals, vehicles & traffic, vehicles & traffic--equipment, license plates and motor vehicles, texas department of.
Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025
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