80R7704 BEF-F

By: Driver H.B. No. 2295

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a requirement that certain motor vehicle manufacturers provide key codes and other vehicle access information to registered locksmiths.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to provide an important new tool to assist in the prevention of automobile theft and at the same time to ensure that the services of registered locksmiths are used in a manner that safeguards the privacy and security of owners and lessees of passenger cars in this state.

SECTION 2. Subchapter J, Chapter 2301, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 2301.479 to read as follows:

Sec. 2301.479. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCESS INFORMATION. (a) In this section:

(1) "Access information" means the information necessary for a locksmith to allow an owner to enter, start, and operate a motor vehicle and includes the key code, immobilizer code, and access code, as applicable.

(2) "Locksmith" means a locksmith or locksmith company registered under Chapter 1702 that has obtained a registration number from a manufacturer under Subsection (c).

(3) "Owner" means the registered owner of a motor vehicle or a lessee if the lessee's name appears on the vehicle registration.

(b) This section applies:

(1) only to a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, used to transport persons and designed to accommodate 10 or fewer passengers, including the operator;

(2) only to a new motor vehicle sold or leased in this state on or after September 1, 2008; and

(3) in a calendar year only to a make of motor vehicle of which 1,000 or more motor vehicles were sold or leased in this state in the preceding calendar year.

(c) A manufacturer shall issue a registration number and security password to each locksmith that applies to the manufacturer for a registration number.

(d) A manufacturer shall provide access information at any time by telephone or electronically to a locksmith who:

(1) provides the locksmith's registration number issued by the manufacturer;

(2) provides the locksmith's security password issued by the manufacturer;

(3) confirms that the locksmith has complied with the requirements of Section 1702.286, as added by Chapter 1102, Acts of the 79th Legislature, Regular Session, 2005;

(4) provides the vehicle identification number and model number of the motor vehicle for which the locksmith is seeking access information; and

(5) complies with other reasonable authentication measures adopted by the manufacturer.

(e) A manufacturer that complies with Subsection (d) is not liable for the theft of the motor vehicle for which the manufacturer provided access information.

(f) Before requesting access information from a manufacturer, a locksmith must follow the procedures under Section 1702.286, as added by Chapter 1102, Acts of the 79th Legislature, Regular Session, 2005. After producing a replacement key or otherwise providing the owner access to a passenger car, the locksmith shall provide the access information to the owner and destroy any access information in the locksmith's possession. A locksmith who complies with this subsection is not liable for the theft of the motor vehicle, except in the event of fraud or misappropriation of access information by the locksmith.

(g) A manufacturer shall retain and make available under Subsection (d) access information for a motor vehicle to which this section applies for at least 25 years after the date the motor vehicle is manufactured.

(h) A manufacturer may perform the duties required of the manufacturer under this section directly or through an agent under a contract.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.