78R6491 DWS-D

By:  Chavez                                                       H.B. No. 1435



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a motor vehicle liability insurance database.                     
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 601, Transportation Code, 
is amended by adding Section 601.024 to read as follows:
	Sec. 601.024.  LIABILITY INSURANCE DATABASE. (a)  This 
section applies to a policy of motor vehicle liability insurance 
issued to a resident of this state.
	(b)  The department shall maintain a database containing 
information about policies to which this section applies that have 
expired or been canceled. On request of a law enforcement agency or 
other person the department by rule determines has a legitimate 
need for the information, the department shall provide information 
from the database about whether a specific policy has expired or 
been canceled.
	(c)  The department shall adopt rules requiring motor 
vehicle insurers to provide information necessary to maintain the 
database.
	(d)  The motor vehicle liability account is an account in the 
general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only to 
maintain the database established under this section.
	(e)  An annual assessment is imposed on each motor vehicle 
insurer at a rate of 50 cents for each policy of motor vehicle 
liability insurance issued, delivered, or renewed by the insurer to 
a resident of this state. The comptroller shall collect the 
assessment and deposit the money to the credit of the motor vehicle 
liability account. The comptroller may require a motor vehicle 
insurer to provide information the comptroller considers necessary 
to determine the number of policies issued, delivered, or renewed 
by the insurer that are subject to the assessment.
	SECTION 2.  (a)  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.                      
	(b)  The Department of Public Safety shall establish the 
database required by Section 601.024, Transportation Code, as added 
by this Act, not later than September 1, 2004. The assessment 
established by that section applies to a policy of motor vehicle 
liability insurance issued, delivered, or renewed by an insurer to 
a resident of this state on or after the effective date of this Act.