BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 121
By: Kamel
03-29-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

     Chapter 28 TAC §5.204 proscribes the provisions for a Texas
liability insurance card, however, it does not require a vehicle
identification number to be printed on the Texas liability
insurance card.  Currently many automobile insurance carriers do
print the vehicle identification number on proof of insurance
cards.  However, if a policyholder changes policy, adds a vehicle
to a policy, or registers a new vehicle the proof of liability may
not be current.

PURPOSE

     As proposed, House Bill 121 would require automobile liability
insurers to include vehicle identification numbers on documentation
provided for proof of liability insurance coverage.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

     It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant
any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 1B(a), Texas Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Act
(Article 6701h, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), to include the
vehicle identification number as standard information on the
insurance form promulgated by the Texas Department of Insurance and
issued by a liability insurer.

SECTION 2.

Amends Section 1F(f), Texas Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Act
(Article 6701h, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) to include the make,
model, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle of the
vehicle impounded as standard information on the insurance form
promulgated by the Texas Department of Insurance and issued by a
liability insurer.

SECTION 3.

Amends Section 2a(d), Chapter 88, General Laws, Acts of the 41st
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, 1929 (Article 6675a-2a, Vernon's
Civil Statutes) to include the vehicle identification number as
standard information on the liability form promulgated by the Texas
Department of Insurance and issued by a liability insurer.

SECTION 4.

This Act takes effect September 1, 1995.  This Act applies only to
standard proof of liability insurance used on or after July 1,
1996.

SECTION 5. Emergency Clause





SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

     In accordance with House Rules, H.B. 121 was heard in a public
hearing on March 29, 1995.  The Chair laid out H.B. 121 and
recognized Representative Kamel to explain the bill.  The Chair
recognized the following person to testify in support of H.B. 121: 
Ray Cornett, Tax Assessor Collectors Association.  No one testified
in opposition to or neutrally on H.B. 121.

     The Chair recognized Representative Dutton who moved the
Committee report H.B. 121 as filed to the full House with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  Representative
Shields seconded the motion and the motion prevailed by the
following vote:  AYES (6);
NAYES (0); ABSENT (3); PNV (0).