BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 2509

79R8334 DWS-F                                                                                                    By: Bohac (Ellis)

                                                                                                               Intergovernmental Relations

                                                                                                                                            5/16/2005

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Curbstoning is the practice of selling automobiles on the street curb or in parking lots by licensed dealers, unlicensed dealers, or individuals.  It is estimated that over 100,000 cars a year are sold in this manner in Houston.  The Houston Police Department has the authority to write citations for these violations, however, the violations cannot be heard in municipal courts.  Instead, the officer writing the citation must file the violation with a justice of the peace or a county court, which have concurrent original jurisdiction over an action to enforce curbstoning. 

 

H.B. 2509 allows municipal courts to hear cases involving curbstoning violations in Houston.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 503.092(b), Transportation Code, to provide that a municipal court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the county court or a county court at law over an action to enforce this chapter (Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates).

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.