BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 3517

81R6185 ACP-D                                                                            By: Gattis, Gutierrez (Huffman)

Transportation & Homeland Security

5/8/2009

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Identity theft remains a persistent and growing problem for many Texans.  In September 2004, the House Research Organization of the Texas House of Representatives published a report on combating identity theft.  While some reforms have been enacted, more needs to be done.  For instance, state government can help combat identity theft by not requiring individuals to release their confidential information, such as Social Security numbers, when no vital purpose is served by the disclosure.

Section 501.0235 of the Transportation Code requires an applicant for a certificate of vehicle title, in a county in which the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has implemented an automated registration and title system, to provide the applicant's Social Security number to TxDOT.

H.B. 3517 repeals current law relating to the provision of Social Security numbers by applicants for motor vehicle certificates of title.

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.  Repealer: Section 501.0235 (Social Security Number of Title Applicant: Automated Registration and Title System), Transportation Code.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.