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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study on the feasibility of requiring title for all |
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trailers, semitrailers, and travel trailers not considered |
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manufactured housing. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 501.007 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 501.007. STUDY ON FEASIBILITY OF TITLE BEING OBTAINED |
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FOR ALL TRAILERS, SEMITRAILERS, AND TRAVEL TRAILERS THAT ARE NOT |
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MANUFACTURED HOUSING. (a) The department shall conduct a study of |
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the feasibility of requiring title for each trailer, semitrailer, |
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or travel trailer that is not manufactured housing. |
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(b) In conducting the study required under this section, the |
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department must, in relation to all trailers, semitrailers, and |
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travel trailers covered by the study: |
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(1) determine the cost and feasibility of assigning |
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vehicle identification numbers; |
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(2) develop options for obtaining title; |
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(3) evaluate the processes of inspection, |
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verification, and assignment of vehicle identification numbers; |
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(4) develop recommendations for requiring the |
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permanent affixation of vehicle identification numbers; |
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(5) determine the approximate fiscal impact from theft |
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and evaluate options to decrease this theft; and |
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(6) evaluate the level of access individuals in rural |
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areas have to obtain title. |
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(c) In conducting the study, the department must use input |
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from local governmental entities that provide title services for |
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trailers, semitrailers, or travel trailers, automotive theft |
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experts, statewide associations representing agricultural |
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entities, and statewide associations of counties. The department |
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may use input from any other organization, as necessary. |
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(d) On request of the department, the comptroller shall |
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assist the department in conducting the study. |
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(e) The department shall prepare a report that contains its |
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study findings and makes recommendations regarding possible |
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legislative solutions to any problems found in the processes for |
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obtaining title for trailers, semitrailers, or travel trailers |
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covered by the study. Not later than September 1, 2014, the |
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department shall submit the report to the lieutenant governor, the |
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speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer |
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of each legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction |
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over motor vehicles. |
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(f) This section expires August 31, 2015. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2013. |