H.B. 1422 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1422 By: Jones, Jesse Transportation Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vehicles in counties located in non-attainment areas are required to pass an emissions inspection as part of regular vehicle inspection. If the motor vehicle inspection certificate is stolen, lost or destroyed, the motorist is required to have both inspections done in order to replace the certificate. The emissions inspection can place a costly burden on the motorist if he/she has to replace the certificate. House Bill 1422 would exempt the vehicle from the emissions inspection if the motorist is replacing a valid certificate which has been stolen, lost or destroyed. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Department of public Safety in (SECTION 1, Subchapter E, Chapter 548, Section 548.257(b) of the Transportation Code) of this bill. ANALYSIS H.B. 1422 amends Chapter 548 of the Transportation Code to allow a person whose inspection certificate has been lost, stolen, or destroyed during the period which the certificate is valid to be exempt from being required to have the vehicle subject to any emissions inspection as required by law if the person is obtaining a replacement certificate. The Texas Department of Public Safety shall adopt rules specifying the method for the reinspection program and replacement of the certificate. The department shall also adopt the necessary measure to prevent fraud. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003