Q
What does Texas SB2141 do?
SB2141 mandates a privacy option for judicial specialty license plates, permitting state and federal judges to omit their official title (e. g. , "State Judge") from the physical plate.
SB2141
Regular Session
Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates to state and federal judges.
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
SB2141
LowRelating to the issuance of specialty license plates to state and federal judges.
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. All applications processed on or after this date must accommodate the privacy option.
- Agency Rulemaking: The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) must redesign the physical plates and update application forms (likely Form VTR-421) prior to the effective date. Expect administrative guidance and design proofs between July and August 2025.
Immediate Action Plan
- 1. July 1, 2025: Audit internal vehicle registration checklists used by F&I and title departments to include the new privacy election step.
- 2. August 15, 2025: Download and distribute the updated TxDMV application form (likely VTR-421) to all processing staff; destroy old stock.
- 3. September 1, 2025: Enforce the new intake protocol. Ensure no judicial plate applications are submitted without a documented "Text/No-Text" election from the client.
Operational Changes Required
Contracts
- Standard Agreements: No changes required for Master Service Agreements (MSAs).
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Third-party title runners and fleet management companies should review SLAs regarding delivery timelines. Anticipate potential fulfillment delays from county tax assessor-collectors during the initial rollout of the "text-free" inventory.
Hiring/Training
- F&I and Title Clerks: Train staff to stop defaulting to standard judicial plates. Personnel must now affirmatively ask qualifying clients if they wish to exercise the Section 504.403(b) option to omit their title.
- Client Advisory: Staff must be prepared to explain that selecting the privacy option removes the visual indicator often used for "professional courtesy," though the registration record remains flagged for law enforcement.
Reporting & Record-Keeping
- Intake Forms: Update internal "VIP" or "Specialty Plate" request forms to include a checkbox for "Omit Judicial Title."
- Liability Mitigation: Retain written confirmation of the client’s election. If a judge receives a plate displaying their title after requesting anonymity—or vice versa—the processing entity will be held liable for the error and the cost of replacement.
- Form VTR-421: Monitor TxDMV for the release of the revised Judicial Plate application. Old versions of the form may be rejected by county offices after September 1.
Fees & Costs
- Statutory Fees: No changes to the underlying statutory fees for specialty plates.
- Operational Costs: Negligible. Limited to administrative updates and staff training time.
Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations
- Plate Design: The statute is silent on the visual design of the plate when the text is omitted. It is currently unclear if the plate will retain the judicial seal/logo without the text, or revert to a standard "Texas Classic" design.
- *Business Risk:* If the plate becomes visually indistinguishable from a standard plate, clients may contest the value of the specialty plate fee. Watch for TxDMV design proofs in Summer 2025.
- Inventory Availability: It is unclear if county tax offices will stock the "no-text" blanks immediately. This may force these specific registrations into a "mail-order" workflow, extending lead times for client delivery.
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Legislative Timeline
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Senate Authors
House Sponsor
Fiscal NoteView Original
Related Legislation
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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.
- HB3815Relating to issuance of specialty license plates for certain United States Army Rangers.
- HB5436Relating to an exception to the titling requirement for certain motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense; providing for a fee.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SB2141
Q
Who authored SB2141?
SB2141 was authored by Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini during the Regular Session.
Q
When was SB2141 signed into law?
SB2141 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025.
Q
Which agencies enforce SB2141?
SB2141 is enforced by Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Q
How urgent is compliance with SB2141?
The compliance urgency for SB2141 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
Q
What is the cost impact of SB2141?
The cost impact of SB2141 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
Q
What topics does SB2141 address?
SB2141 addresses topics including courts, courts--judges, vehicles & traffic, vehicles & traffic--vehicle registration and license plates.
Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025
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