Amend CSHB 2357 by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill to read as follows:
SECTION ____. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 502.011 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.011. REFUSAL TO REGISTER VEHICLE FOR NONPAYMENT OF TOLL OR ADMINISTRATIVE FEE. (a) The board shall adopt rules, with input from county assessor-collectors and toll project entities, to require the county assessor-collector and the department to refuse to register a motor vehicle if the motor vehicle is the subject of a past due toll or administrative fee owed to a toll project entity. The board's rules may include a timeframe for implementation of the refusal process and a requirement for a toll project entity to enter into a contract with the department that includes:
(1) information necessary to determine that a toll or fee is past due;
(2) notification that the registration may be reinstated because of:
(A) payment or other means of discharge of the past due toll or fee; or
(B) perfection of an appeal following conviction of an offense related to the nonpayment of a toll, if applicable;
(3) compensation to the department or the county for reasonable expenses associated with providing services under the contract; and
(4) a time period when the toll or fee is considered past due.
(b) This section does not apply to the registration of a motor vehicle under Section 501.0234, unless the vehicle is titled and registered in the name of a person who holds a general distinguishing number.
(c) For purposes of this section "toll project entity" has the meaning assigned by Section 372.001, but does not include a county operating under Chapter 284 unless the commissioners court of the county adopts an order expressly electing to have this section apply to the county.
SECTION ____. Subchapter B, Chapter 372, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Sections 372.054 to read as follows:
Sec. 372.054. REPORTING FAILURE TO PAY TOLL OR ADMINISTRATIVE FEE. A toll project entity may report the failure to pay a toll or administrative fee to a county assessor-collector or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in order to deny registration of the nonpaying vehicle, as provided in Section 502.011.
(b) For purposes of this section "toll project entity" has the meaning assigned by Section 372.001, but does not include a county operating under Chapter 284 unless the commissioners court of the county adopts an order expressly electing to have this section apply to the county.