AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
This bill directs the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to conduct a study of the feasibility of requiring a title for each trailer, semitrailer, or travel trailer that is not manufactured housing. The study shall determine the cost and feasibility of assigning vehicle identification numbers; develop options for obtaining a title; evaluate the process of inspection, verification, and assignment of vehicle identification numbers; develop recommendations for requiring the permanent affixation of vehicle identification numbers; determine the approximate fiscal impact from theft and evaluate options to decrease this theft; and evaluate the level of access individuals in rural areas have to obtain a title. TxDMV is required to submit the report to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house, and the presiding officer of each legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction over motor vehicles no later than September 1, 2014.
H.B. 2394 amends current law relating to a study on the feasibility of requiring title for all trailers, semitrailers, and travel trailers not considered manufactured housing.
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. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Transportation Code, by adding Section 501.007, as follows:
Sec. 501.007. STUDY ON FEASIBILITY OF TITLE BEING OBTAINED FOR ALL TRAILERS, SEMITRAILERS, AND TRAVEL TRAILERS THAT ARE NOT MANUFACTURED HOUSING. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to conduct a study of the feasibility of requiring title for each trailer, semitrailer, or travel trailer that is not manufactured housing.
(b) Requires TxDMV, in conducting the study required under this section, to, in relation to all trailers, semitrailers, and travel trailers covered by the study:
(1) determine the cost and feasibility of assigning vehicle identification numbers;
(2) develop options for obtaining title;
(3) evaluate the processes of inspection, verification, and assignment of vehicle identification numbers;
(4) develop recommendations for requiring the permanent affixation of vehicle identification numbers;
(5) determine the approximate fiscal impact from theft and evaluate options to decrease this theft; and
(6) evaluate the level of access individuals in rural areas have to obtain title.
(c) Requires TxDMV, in conducting the study, to use input from local governmental entities that provide title services for trailers, semitrailers, or travel trailers, automotive theft experts, statewide associations representing agricultural entities, and statewide associations of counties. Authorizes TxDMV to use input from any other organization, as necessary.
(d) Requires the comptroller of public accounts of the State of Texas, on request of TxDMV, to assist TxDMV in conducting the study.
(e) Requires TxDMV to prepare a report that contains its study findings and makes recommendations regarding possible legislative solutions to any problems found in the processes for obtaining title for trailers, semitrailers, or travel trailers covered by the study. Requires TxDMV, not later than September 1, 2014, to submit the report to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of each legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction over motor vehicles.
(f) Provides that this section expires August 31, 2015.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.