BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2394

By: Perry

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is concern that current law does not require all trailers, semitrailers, and travel trailers that are not manufactured housing to be titled. Interested parties assert that this has resulted in serious problems statewide, including theft and loss of revenue. Counties, in an effort to address these issues, have begun implementing regulatory policies, resulting in inconsistencies between counties across the state. The parties have also indicated that Texas would benefit from a study relating to the feasibility of requiring title for all trailers, semitrailers, and travel trailers that are not manufactured housing. H.B. 2394 seeks to provide better understanding of the time and resources that would be necessary to title all trailers, semitrailers, and travel trailers.

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. 2394 amends the Transportation Code to add temporary provisions, set to expire August 31, 2015, to require 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. The bill requires TxDMV to do the following in relation to all trailers, semitrailers, and travel trailers covered by the study: determine the cost and feasibility of assigning vehicle identification numbers; develop options for obtaining title; evaluate the processes 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 title.

H.B. 2394 requires TxDMV 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. The bill authorizes TxDMV to use input from any other organization, as necessary. The bill requires the comptroller of public accounts, on request of TxDMV, to assist TxDMV in conducting the study.

H.B. 2394 requires TxDMV to prepare a report that contains its 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. The bill 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.