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BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 3517

By: Gattis

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

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.

 

State law 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. This provision was enacted during the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, to help the collection of child support payments.  However, according to TxDOT, these social security numbers have not been used to aid in the collection of child support and many purchasers of new and used vehicles and other title applicants have been exposed to potential identity theft. Additionally, most other states do not require a person registering a vehicle to provide the person's social security number as a requirement of registration.   

 

H.B. 3517 repeals law requiring TxDOT to require a person to submit the person's social security number with a vehicle title application to reduce the risk of identity theft.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 3517 amends the Transportation Code to repeal provisions relating to the requirement that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) require an applicant for a certificate of title provide the applicant's social security number to TxDOT.

 

H.B. 3517 repeals Section 501.0235, Transportation Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.