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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the organization, governance, duties, and functions of |
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the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 2301.002, Occupations Code, is amended |
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by adding Subdivisions (1-a) and (14-a) and amending Subdivisions |
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(11), (16), (23), and (32) to read as follows: |
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(1-a) "Ambulance manufacturer" means a person other |
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than the manufacturer of a motor vehicle chassis who, before the |
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retail sale of the motor vehicle, performs modifications on the |
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chassis that result in the finished product being classified as an |
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ambulance. |
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(11) "Distributor" means a person, other than a |
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manufacturer, who: |
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(A) distributes or sells new motor vehicles to a |
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franchised dealer; or |
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(B) enters into franchise agreements with |
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franchised dealers, on behalf of the manufacturer. |
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(14-a) "Fire-fighting vehicle manufacturer" means a |
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person other than the manufacturer of a motor vehicle chassis who, |
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before the retail sale of the motor vehicle, performs modifications |
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on the chassis that result in the finished product being classified |
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as a fire-fighting vehicle. |
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(16) "Franchised dealer" means a person who: |
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(A) holds a franchised motor vehicle dealer's |
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license issued by the board under this chapter and Chapter 503, |
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Transportation Code; and |
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(B) is engaged in the business of buying, |
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selling, or exchanging new motor vehicles and servicing or |
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repairing motor vehicles under a manufacturer's warranty at an |
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established and permanent place of business under a franchise in |
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effect with a manufacturer or distributor. |
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(23) "Motor vehicle" means: |
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(A) a fully self-propelled vehicle having two or |
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more wheels that has as its primary purpose the transport of a |
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person or persons, or property, on a public highway; |
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(B) a fully self-propelled vehicle having two or |
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more wheels that: |
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(i) has as its primary purpose the |
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transport of a person or persons or property; |
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(ii) is not manufactured for use on public |
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streets, roads, or highways; and |
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(iii) meets the requirements for [has been
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issued] a certificate of title; |
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(C) an engine, transmission, or rear axle, |
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regardless of whether attached to a vehicle chassis, manufactured |
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for installation in a vehicle that has: |
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(i) the transport of a person or persons, or |
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property, on a public highway as its primary purpose; and |
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(ii) a gross vehicle weight rating of more |
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than 16,000 pounds; or |
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(D) a towable recreational vehicle. |
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(32) "Towable recreational vehicle" means a |
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nonmotorized vehicle that: |
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(A) was originally designed and manufactured |
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primarily to provide temporary human habitation in conjunction with |
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recreational, camping, or seasonal use; |
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(B) meets the requirements to be issued a |
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certificate of title and registration by [is titled and registered
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with] the department as a travel trailer through a county tax |
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assessor-collector; |
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(C) is permanently built on a single chassis; |
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(D) contains at least one life support system; |
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and |
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(E) is designed to be towable by a motor vehicle. |
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SECTION 2. Section 2301.153(a), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board |
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has all powers necessary, incidental, or convenient to perform a |
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power or duty expressly granted under this chapter, including the |
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power to: |
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(1) initiate and conduct proceedings, investigations, |
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or hearings; |
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(2) administer oaths; |
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(3) receive evidence and pleadings; |
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(4) issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of any |
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person; |
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(5) order the production of any tangible property, |
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including papers, records, or other documents; |
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(6) make findings of fact on all factual issues |
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arising out of a proceeding initiated under this chapter; |
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(7) specify and govern appearance, practice, and |
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procedures before the board; |
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(8) adopt rules and issue conclusions of law and |
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decisions, including declaratory decisions or orders; |
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(9) enter into contracts; |
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(10) execute instruments; |
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(11) retain counsel; |
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(12) use the services of the attorney general and |
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institute and direct the conduct of legal proceedings in any forum; |
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(13) obtain other professional services as necessary |
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and convenient; |
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(14) impose a sanction for contempt; |
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(15) assess and collect fees and costs, including |
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attorney's fees; |
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(16) issue, suspend, or revoke licenses; |
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(17) prohibit and regulate acts and practices in |
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connection with the distribution and sale of motor vehicles or |
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warranty performance obligations; |
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(18) issue cease and desist orders in the nature of |
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temporary or permanent injunctions; |
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(19) impose a civil penalty; |
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(20) enter an order requiring a person to: |
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(A) repurchase property under Section 2301.465 |
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and pay costs and expenses of a party in connection with an order |
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entered under that section [Section 2301.465]; |
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(B) perform an act other than the payment of |
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money; or |
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(C) refrain from performing an act; and |
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(21) enforce a board order. |
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SECTION 3. Section 2301.154, Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2301.154. DELEGATION OF POWERS. (a) The director may |
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delegate any of the director's powers to one or more of the |
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division's employees. |
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(b) The board by rule may delegate any power relating to a |
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contested case hearing, other than the power to issue a final order, |
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to: |
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(1) one or more of the board's members; |
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(2) the executive director; |
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(3) the director; or |
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(4) one or more of the department's employees. |
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(c) The board by rule may delegate the authority to issue a |
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final order in a contested case hearing to: |
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(1) one or more of the board's members; |
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(2) the executive director; or |
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(3) the director of a division within the department |
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designated by the board or the executive director to carry out the |
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requirements of this chapter. |
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(d) The board by rule may delegate any power relating to a |
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complaint investigation to any person employed by the department. |
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SECTION 4. Section 2301.252(b), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(b) For purposes of this section: |
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(1) the make of a conversion[, ambulance, or
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fire-fighting vehicle] is that of the chassis manufacturer; [and] |
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(2) the make of a motor home is that of the motor home |
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manufacturer; |
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(3) the make of an ambulance is that of the ambulance |
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manufacturer; and |
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(4) the make of a fire-fighting vehicle is that of the |
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fire-fighting vehicle manufacturer. |
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SECTION 5. Sections 2301.257(a), (b), and (c), Occupations |
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Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(a) An application for a dealer's license must be on a form |
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prescribed by the department [board]. The application must |
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include: |
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(1) the information required by Chapter 503, |
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Transportation Code; and |
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(2) information relating to the applicant's financial |
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resources, business integrity, business ability and experience, |
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franchise if applicable, physical facilities, vehicle inventory, |
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and other factors the department [board] considers necessary to |
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determine the applicant's qualifications to adequately serve the |
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public. |
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(b) If a material change occurs in the information included |
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in an application for a dealer's license, the dealer shall notify |
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the department [director] of the change within a reasonable |
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time. The department [director] shall prescribe a form for the |
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disclosure of the change. |
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(c) A franchised dealer must apply for a separate license |
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under this section for each separate and distinct dealership |
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showroom as determined by the department [board]. Before changing |
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a location, a dealer must obtain a new license for that location. |
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SECTION 6. Section 2301.258, Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2301.258. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR |
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MANUFACTURER'S, DISTRIBUTOR'S, CONVERTER'S, OR REPRESENTATIVE'S |
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LICENSE. An application for a manufacturer's, distributor's, |
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converter's, or representative's license must be on a form |
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prescribed by the department [board]. The application must include |
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information the department [board] determines necessary to fully |
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determine the qualifications of an applicant, including financial |
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resources, business integrity and experience, facilities and |
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personnel for serving franchised dealers, and other information the |
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department [board] determines pertinent to safeguard the public |
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interest and welfare. |
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SECTION 7. Section 2301.261(a), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) An application for a vehicle lessor's license must: |
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(1) be on a form prescribed by the department [board]; |
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(2) contain evidence of compliance with Chapter 503, |
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Transportation Code, if applicable; and |
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(3) state other information required by the department |
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[board]. |
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SECTION 8. Section 2301.262(a), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) An application for a vehicle lease facilitator license |
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must be on a form prescribed by the department [board] and contain |
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the information required by the department [board]. |
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SECTION 9. Sections 2301.264(c) and (d), Occupations Code, |
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are amended to read as follows: |
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(c) The department [board] may prorate the fee for a |
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representative's license to allow the representative's license and |
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the license of the manufacturer or distributor who employs the |
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representative to expire on the same day. |
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(d) The department [board] may refund from funds |
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appropriated to the department [board] for that purpose a fee |
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collected under this chapter that is not due or that exceeds the |
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amount due. |
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SECTION 10. Sections 2301.301(a), (b), (c), and (e), |
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Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(a) Licenses issued under this chapter are valid for the |
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period prescribed by the board [commission]. |
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(b) The department [director] may issue a license for a term |
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of less than the period prescribed under Subsection (a) to |
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coordinate the expiration dates of licenses held by a person that is |
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required to obtain more than one license to perform activities |
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under this chapter. |
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(c) The board [commission] by rule may implement a system |
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under which licenses expire on various dates during the year. For |
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a year in which a license expiration date is changed [If a license
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is issued or renewed for a term that is less than the period set
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under Subsection (a)], the fee for the license shall be prorated so |
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that the license holder pays only that portion of the fee that is |
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allocable to the number of months during which the license is |
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valid. On renewal of the license on the new expiration date, the |
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entire license renewal fee is payable. |
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(e) If the department [commission] prescribes the term of a |
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license under this chapter for a period other than one year, the |
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department [commission] shall prorate the applicable annual fee |
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required under this chapter as necessary to reflect the term of the |
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license. |
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SECTION 11. Section 2301.302, Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2301.302. NOTICE OF LICENSE EXPIRATION. The |
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department [board] shall notify each person licensed under this |
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chapter of the date of license expiration and the amount of the fee |
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required for license renewal. The notice shall be sent [mailed] at |
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least 30 days before the date of license expiration. |
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SECTION 12. Section 2301.351, Occupations Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2301.351. GENERAL PROHIBITION. A dealer may not: |
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(1) violate a board rule; |
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(2) aid or abet a person who violates this chapter, |
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Chapter 503, Transportation Code, or a rule adopted under those |
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chapters; or |
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(3) use false, deceptive, or misleading advertising |
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relating to the sale or lease of motor vehicles. |
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SECTION 13. Sections 2301.358(a) and (c), Occupations Code, |
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are amended to read as follows: |
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(a) A person who holds a license issued under this chapter |
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may not participate in a new motor vehicle show or exhibition |
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unless: |
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(1) the person provides the department [board] with |
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written notice at least 30 days before the date the show or |
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exhibition opens; and |
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(2) the department [board] grants written approval. |
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(c) This section does not prohibit the sale of a towable |
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recreational vehicle, motor home, ambulance, fire-fighting |
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vehicle, or tow truck at a show or exhibition if: |
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(1) the show or exhibition is approved by the |
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department [board]; and |
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(2) the sale is not otherwise prohibited by law. |
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SECTION 14. Section 2301.401(a), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) A manufacturer or distributor shall file with the |
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department [board] a copy of the current requirements the |
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manufacturer or distributor imposes on its dealers with respect to |
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the dealer's: |
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(1) duties under the manufacturer's or distributor's |
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warranty; and |
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(2) vehicle preparation and delivery obligations. |
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SECTION 15. Section 2301.454(a), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise, a |
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manufacturer, distributor, or representative may not modify or |
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replace a franchise if the modification or replacement would |
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adversely affect to a substantial degree the dealer's sales, |
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investment, or obligations to provide service to the public, |
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unless: |
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(1) the manufacturer, distributor, or representative |
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provides written notice by registered or certified mail to each |
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affected dealer and the department [board] of the modification or |
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replacement; and |
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(2) if a protest is filed under this section, the board |
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approves the modification or replacement. |
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SECTION 16. Section 2301.476(c), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(c) Except as provided by this section, a manufacturer or |
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distributor may not directly or indirectly: |
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(1) own an interest in a franchised or nonfranchised |
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dealer or dealership; |
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(2) operate or control a franchised or nonfranchised |
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dealer or dealership; or |
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(3) act in the capacity of a franchised or |
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nonfranchised dealer. |
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SECTION 17. Section 2301.601(2), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(2) "Owner" means a person who is entitled to enforce a |
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manufacturer's warranty with respect to a motor vehicle, and who: |
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(A) purchased the [a] motor vehicle at retail |
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from a license holder [and is entitled to enforce a manufacturer's
|
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warranty with respect to the vehicle]; |
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(B) is a lessor or lessee, other than a |
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sublessee, who purchased or leased the vehicle from a license |
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holder; [or] |
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(C) is a resident of this state and has |
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registered the vehicle in this state; |
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(D) purchased or leased the vehicle at retail and |
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is an active duty member of the United States armed forces stationed |
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in this state at the time a proceeding is commenced under this |
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subchapter; or |
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(E) is: |
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(i) the transferee or assignee of a person |
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described by Paragraphs (A)-(D); [Paragraph (A) or (B),] |
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(ii) a resident of this state; [,] and |
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(iii) the person who registered the vehicle |
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in this state [entitled to enforce the manufacturer's warranty]. |
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SECTION 18. Sections 2301.611(a) and (c), Occupations Code, |
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are amended to read as follows: |
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(a) The department [board] shall publish an annual report on |
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the motor vehicles ordered repurchased or replaced under this |
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subchapter. |
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(c) The department [board] shall make the report available |
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to the public and may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of |
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the report. |
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SECTION 19. Section 2301.613(a), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) The department [board] shall prepare, publish, and |
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distribute information concerning an owner's rights under this |
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subchapter. The retail seller of a new motor vehicle shall |
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conspicuously post a copy of the information in the area where its |
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customers usually pay for repairs. |
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SECTION 20. Section 2301.711, Occupations Code, is amended |
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and to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2301.711. ORDERS AND DECISIONS. [(a)] An order or |
|
decision of the board must: |
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(1) include a separate finding of fact with respect to |
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each specific issue the board is required by law to consider in |
|
reaching a decision; |
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(2) set forth additional findings of fact and |
|
conclusions of law on which the order or decision is based; [and] |
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(3) give the reasons for the particular actions taken; |
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(4) [.
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[(b)
Except as provided by Subchapter M, the order or
|
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decision must:
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[(1)] be signed by the presiding officer or assistant |
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presiding officer for the board; |
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(5) [(2)] be attested to by the director; and |
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(6) [(3)] have the seal affixed to it. |
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SECTION 21. Section 2301.803(c), Occupations Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(c) A person affected by a statutory stay imposed by this |
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chapter may request a hearing [initiate a proceeding before the
|
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board] to modify, vacate, or clarify the extent and application of |
|
the statutory stay. |
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SECTION 22. Section 503.011, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 503.011. PRORATING FEES. If the board [commission] |
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prescribes the term of a general distinguishing number, license, or |
|
license plate under this chapter for a period other than one year, |
|
the board [commission] shall prorate the applicable annual fee |
|
required under this chapter as necessary to reflect the term of the |
|
number, license, or license plate. |
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SECTION 23. Section 503.027(a), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) If a dealer [person] consigns for sale more than five |
|
vehicles in a calendar year from a location other than the location |
|
for which the dealer [person] holds a [wholesale motor vehicle
|
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auction general distinguishing number or a dealer] general |
|
distinguishing number, the dealer must also hold [location to which
|
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the person consigns the vehicles must have] a general |
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distinguishing number for the consignment [that] location unless |
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the consignment location is a wholesale motor vehicle auction. |
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SECTION 24. Section 503.033(g), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(g) This section does not apply to a person licensed as a |
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franchised motor vehicle dealer by the department [department's
|
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Motor Vehicle Board]. |
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SECTION 25. Section 503.039, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 503.039. PUBLIC MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTIONS. (a) A motor |
|
vehicle may not be the subject of a subsequent sale at a public [an] |
|
auction by a holder of a dealer's general distinguishing number |
|
unless[:
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[(1)] equitable or legal title has passed [passes] to |
|
the selling dealer [holder of a dealer's general distinguishing
|
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number] before the [a] transfer of title to the subsequent buyer. |
|
(b) The [; and
|
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[(2) the] holder of a dealer's general distinguishing |
|
number who sells a motor vehicle at a public auction must transfer |
|
[transfers] the certificate of title for that vehicle to the buyer |
|
before the 21st day after the date of the sale. |
|
SECTION 26. Section 1001.001, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended by adding Subdivision (3) to read as follows: |
|
(3) "Executive director" means the executive director |
|
of the department. |
|
SECTION 27. Section 1001.004, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1001.004. DIVISIONS. The executive director [board] |
|
shall organize the department into divisions to accomplish the |
|
department's functions and the duties assigned to the department |
|
[it, including divisions for:
|
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[(1) administration;
|
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[(2) motor carriers;
|
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[(3) motor vehicle board; and
|
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[(4) vehicle titles and registration]. |
|
SECTION 28. Subchapter A, Chapter 1001, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Sections 1001.007, 1001.008, 1001.009, |
|
1001.010, and 1001.011 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1001.007. PROTECTION AND USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY |
|
AND PUBLICATIONS. (a) The department may: |
|
(1) apply for, register, secure, hold, and protect |
|
under the laws of the United States, any state, or any nation a |
|
patent, copyright, mark, or other evidence of protection or |
|
exclusivity issued in or for an idea, publication, or other |
|
original innovation fixed in a tangible medium, including: |
|
(A) a literary work; |
|
(B) a logo; |
|
(C) a service mark; |
|
(D) a study; |
|
(E) a map or planning document; |
|
(F) a graphic design; |
|
(G) a manual; |
|
(H) automated systems software; |
|
(I) an audiovisual work; or |
|
(J) a sound recording; |
|
(2) enter into an exclusive or nonexclusive license |
|
agreement with a third party for the receipt of a fee, royalty, or |
|
other thing of monetary or nonmonetary value for the benefit of the |
|
department; |
|
(3) waive or reduce the amount of a fee, royalty, or |
|
other thing of monetary or nonmonetary value to be assessed if the |
|
department determines that the waiver will: |
|
(A) further the goals and missions of the |
|
department; and |
|
(B) result in a net benefit to the state; and |
|
(4) adopt and enforce rules necessary to implement |
|
this section. |
|
(b) Money collected by the department under this section |
|
shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund for use |
|
by the department in supporting the department's operations and the |
|
administration of the department's functions. |
|
Sec. 1001.008. DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. (a) Except as |
|
provided by Subsection (b), for the purpose of carrying out its |
|
functions and duties, the board may accept a donation or |
|
contribution in any form, including real or personal property, |
|
money, materials, or services. |
|
(b) The board may not accept a donation or contribution from |
|
an entity or association of entities that it regulates. |
|
(c) The board by rule may delegate acceptance of donations |
|
or contributions under $500, or not otherwise required to be |
|
acknowledged in an open meeting, to the executive director. |
|
Sec. 1001.009. COLLECTION OF FEES FOR DEPARTMENT GOODS AND |
|
SERVICES. (a) The board may adopt rules regarding the method of |
|
collection of a fee for any goods sold or services provided by the |
|
department or for the administration of any department program. |
|
(b) Goods sold and services provided under Subsection (a) |
|
include department publications and the issuance of licenses, |
|
permits, and registrations. |
|
(c) The rules adopted under Subsection (a) may: |
|
(1) authorize the use of electronic funds transfer or |
|
a valid debit or credit card issued by a financial institution |
|
chartered by a state, the United States, or a nationally recognized |
|
credit organization approved by the department; and |
|
(2) require the payment of a discount or service |
|
charge for a credit card payment in addition to the fee. |
|
(d) Revenue generated from the collection of discount or |
|
service charges under Subsection (c) shall be deposited to the |
|
credit of the state highway fund for use by the department in |
|
supporting the department's operations and the administration of |
|
the department's functions. |
|
(e) The requirements of Subchapters I-K, Chapter 2054, |
|
Government Code, and Sections 2054.111 and 2054.113, Government |
|
Code, do not apply to the department. |
|
Sec. 1001.010. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. (a) The department |
|
may enter into an interlocal contract with one or more local |
|
governments in accordance with Chapter 791, Government Code. |
|
(b) The board by rule shall adopt policies and procedures |
|
consistent with applicable state procurement practices for |
|
soliciting and awarding a contract under this section. |
|
Sec. 1001.011. EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS AND TRAINING. The |
|
department may conduct public service educational campaigns |
|
related to its functions. |
|
SECTION 29. Subchapter B, Chapter 1001, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 1001.0221 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1001.0221. BOARD; DUTIES. (a) The board shall oversee |
|
and coordinate the development of the Texas Department of Motor |
|
Vehicles and shall ensure that all components of the motor vehicle |
|
industry function as a system. |
|
(b) The board shall carry out its policy-making functions in |
|
a manner that protects the interests of the public and industry, |
|
maintains a safe and sound motor vehicle industry, and increases |
|
the economic prosperity of the state. |
|
SECTION 30. Section 1001.023, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1001.023. CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR; DUTIES. (a) The |
|
governor shall appoint one of the board's members chair of the |
|
board. The chair serves at the pleasure of the governor. The board |
|
shall elect one of its members vice chair of the board. The [A
|
|
chair or] vice chair serves at the pleasure of the board. |
|
(b) The chair shall: |
|
(1) preside over board meetings, make rulings on |
|
motions and points of order, and determine the order of business; |
|
(2) represent the department in dealing with the |
|
governor; |
|
(3) report to the governor on the state of affairs of |
|
the department at least quarterly; |
|
(4) report to the board the governor's suggestions for |
|
department operations; |
|
(5) report to the governor on efforts, including |
|
legislative requirements, to maximize the efficiency of department |
|
operations through the use of private enterprise; |
|
(6) periodically review the department's |
|
organizational structure and submit recommendations for structural |
|
changes to the governor, the board, and the Legislative Budget |
|
Board; |
|
(7) designate one or more employees of the department |
|
as a civil rights division of the department and receive regular |
|
reports from the division on the department's efforts to comply |
|
with civil rights legislation and administrative rules; |
|
(8) create subcommittees, appoint board members to |
|
subcommittees, and receive the reports of subcommittees to the |
|
board as a whole; |
|
(9) appoint a member of the board to act in the |
|
[chair's] absence of the chair and vice chair; and |
|
(10) serve as the departmental liaison with the |
|
governor and the Office of State-Federal Relations to maximize |
|
federal funding for transportation. |
|
SECTION 31. Section 1001.031, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and |
|
(f) to read as follows: |
|
(a) The board may [shall] establish [separate] advisory |
|
committees [for the motor carrier, motor vehicles, and vehicle
|
|
titles and registration divisions] to make recommendations to the |
|
board or the executive director [on the operation of the applicable
|
|
division]. A committee has the purposes, powers, and duties, |
|
including the manner of reporting its work, prescribed by the |
|
board. A committee and each committee member serves at the will of |
|
the board. |
|
(a-1) Section 2110.002, Government Code, does not apply to |
|
an advisory committee established under this section. |
|
(f) The meetings of an advisory committee shall be made |
|
accessible to the public in person or through electronic means. |
|
SECTION 32. Subchapter C, Chapter 1001, Transportation |
|
Code, is amended by adding Section 1001.0411 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1001.0411. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; DUTIES. (a) The board |
|
shall appoint an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the |
|
board. The executive director shall perform all duties assigned by |
|
the board. |
|
(b) The executive director may delegate duties or |
|
responsibilities as the executive director considers appropriate, |
|
provided the delegation does not conflict with applicable law or a |
|
resolution of the board. |
|
SECTION 33. Chapter 1001, Transportation Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subchapter D to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. ELECTRONIC ISSUANCE OF LICENSES |
|
Sec. 1001.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
|
(1) "Digital signature" means an electronic |
|
identifier intended by the person using it to have the same force |
|
and effect as the use of a manual signature. |
|
(2) "License" includes: |
|
(A) a motor carrier registration issued under |
|
Chapter 643; |
|
(B) a motor vehicle dealer, salvage dealer, |
|
manufacturer, distributor, representative, converter, or agent |
|
license issued by the department; |
|
(C) specially designated or specialized license |
|
plates issued under Chapter 504; and |
|
(D) an apportioned registration issued according |
|
to the International Registration Plan under Section 502.054. |
|
Sec. 1001.102. APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE. |
|
The board by rule may provide for the filing of a license |
|
application and the issuance of a license by electronic means. |
|
Sec. 1001.103. DIGITAL SIGNATURE. (a) A license |
|
application received by the department is considered signed if a |
|
digital signature is transmitted with the application and intended |
|
by the applicant to authenticate the license in accordance with |
|
Subsection (b). |
|
(b) The department may only accept a digital signature used |
|
to authenticate a license application under procedures that: |
|
(1) comply with any applicable rules of another state |
|
agency having jurisdiction over department use or acceptance of a |
|
digital signature; and |
|
(2) provide for consideration of factors that may |
|
affect a digital signature's reliability, including whether a |
|
digital signature is: |
|
(A) unique to the person using it; |
|
(B) capable of independent verification; |
|
(C) under the sole control of the person using |
|
it; and |
|
(D) transmitted in a manner that makes it |
|
infeasible to change the data in the communication or digital |
|
signature without invalidating the digital signature. |
|
SECTION 34. Chapter 1003, Transportation Code, is amended |
|
by adding Section 1003.005 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1003.005. DELEGATION OF POWER. (a) The board by rule |
|
may delegate any power relating to a contested case hearing, other |
|
than the power to issue a final order, to: |
|
(1) one or more of the board's members; |
|
(2) the executive director; |
|
(3) the director of a division of the department; or |
|
(4) one or more of the department's employees. |
|
(b) The board by rule may delegate the authority to issue a |
|
final order in a contested case hearing to: |
|
(1) one or more of the board's members; |
|
(2) the executive director; or |
|
(3) the director of a division within the department |
|
designated by the board or the executive director to carry out the |
|
requirements of this chapter. |
|
(c) The board by rule may delegate any power relating to a |
|
complaint investigation to any person employed by the department. |
|
SECTION 35. Section 264.502(b), Family Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) The members of the committee who serve under Subsections |
|
(a)(1) through (3) shall select the following additional committee |
|
members: |
|
(1) a criminal prosecutor involved in prosecuting |
|
crimes against children; |
|
(2) a sheriff; |
|
(3) a justice of the peace; |
|
(4) a medical examiner; |
|
(5) a police chief; |
|
(6) a pediatrician experienced in diagnosing and |
|
treating child abuse and neglect; |
|
(7) a child educator; |
|
(8) a child mental health provider; |
|
(9) a public health professional; |
|
(10) a child protective services specialist; |
|
(11) a sudden infant death syndrome family service |
|
provider; |
|
(12) a neonatologist; |
|
(13) a child advocate; |
|
(14) a chief juvenile probation officer; |
|
(15) a child abuse prevention specialist; |
|
(16) a representative of the Department of Public |
|
Safety; and |
|
(17) a representative of the Texas Department of |
|
Transportation [Motor Vehicles]. |
|
SECTION 36. Section 2054.111, Government Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (h) to read as follows: |
|
(h) This section does not apply to the Texas Department of |
|
Motor Vehicles. |
|
SECTION 37. Section 2054.113(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) This section does not apply to: |
|
(1) a state agency that is a university system or |
|
institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, |
|
Education Code; or |
|
(2) the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. |
|
SECTION 38. Section 2110.002, Government Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
|
(c) This section does not apply to an advisory committee |
|
established by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. |
|
SECTION 39. (a) The following provisions are repealed: |
|
(1) Section 2054.270, Government Code; |
|
(2) Sections 2301.105, 2301.106, and 2301.206, |
|
Occupations Code; and |
|
(3) Sections 503.033(c), 1001.031(c) and (d), and |
|
1004.003, Transportation Code. |
|
(b) Section 6.03(c), Chapter 933 (H.B. 3097), Acts of the |
|
81st Legislature, Regular Session, 2009, is repealed. |
|
SECTION 40. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |