SRC-JJJ, DBM H.B. 3014 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3014
By: Hawley (Bernsen)
Infrastructure
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, there are concerns regarding the efficiency and security of the
current system of automobile registration used by the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT).  Other states have implemented automated  vehicle
registration systems, which have greatly decreased the incidence of fraud
and theft.  Such automated services are able to provide 24-hour customer
service, scan and verify insurance certificates, accept various methods of
payment, and print directly on the registration insignia, specific
information regarding the vehicle.  H.B. 3014 would set forth provisions
regarding TxDOT's automated registration and title system.    

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3014 sets forth provisions for the Texas Department of
Transportation's automated registration and title system.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 502D, Transportation Code, by adding Section
502.1705, as follows: 

Sec. 502.1705.  ADDITIONAL FEE FOR AUTOMATED REGISTRATION AND TITLE SYSTEM.
Requires a $1 fee to be collected, in addition to other registration fees
for a license plate or set of license plates or other devices used as the
registration insignia.  Sets forth the authorized uses of money collected
under this section by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Provides that this section applies only in a county in which the TxDOT's
automated registration and title system has been implemented and in which
50,000 or more motor vehicles were registered during the preceding year. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 502.180(e), Transportation Code, to require the
rules to provide for the use of an automated registration process. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Sections 502.184(a) and (i), Transportation Code, to
authorize an owner of a registered motor vehicle to obtain from the
department through the county assessor-collector replacement license plates
or a replacement insignia by paying a fee of $5 plus the fees, rather than
fee, required by Sections 502.170(a) and 502.1705(a), rather than Section
502.170(a).  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 4.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 5.Emergency clause.