BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3051

By: Thompson, Senfronia

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the misconception that damage sustained by a vehicle classified as a salvage vehicle is limited to damage resulting from an accident. It has been suggested that recent flooding events across Texas have demonstrated a need to better incorporate flood damage into this classification. H.B. 3051 seeks to address this issue by clarifying the definition of "flooded" with respect to damage to a motor vehicle.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 3051 amends the Transportation Code to specify that "flooded," for purposes of the Certificate of Title Act provisions relating to nonrepairable and salvage motor vehicles, means, with respect to damage to a motor vehicle, submerged in water that causes an insurance company to pay a claim on and take possession of the vehicle or that rises higher than a doorsill of the vehicle, enters the vehicle's passenger, trunk, or engine compartment, and comes into contact with the vehicle's electrical system. The bill clarifies that the requirement for a certain notation on a salvage vehicle title or a salvage record of title for a vehicle that is a salvage motor vehicle because of certain flood damage applies with respect to damage caused exclusively by the vehicle being flooded.           

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.