Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 3514	House Author:  Canales
Effective:  9-1-21	Senate Sponsor:  Seliger

            House Bill 3514 amends the Finance Code, Government Code, Occupations Code, Tax Code, and Transportation Code to except certain vehicle warranty information filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles from disclosure under state public information law until the applicable complaint is resolved by final order. Among other provisions, the bill clarifies the reimbursement of filing fees by the nonprevailing party in contested cases regarding vehicle warranties and provides for the designation of a person to decide a motion for rehearing in a contested case or one concerning a vehicle defect.

            The bill grants discretion to an applicable chief appraiser to report a dealer who fails to file a motor vehicle inventory declaration for purposes of initiating the cancellation of the dealer's general distinguishing number. The bill authorizes the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority to recover costs from an insurer requesting a refund of certain insurance fees, imposes a penalty on an insurer for the delinquent payment or related filing of those fees, and provides for the audit of the payment of the fees and a determination relating to the fees.