BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1817
	By: Seliger
	Transportation
	6/8/2021
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) may refuse, cancel, suspend, or revoke a vehicle title registration under Chapter 501, Transportation Code.

S.B. 1817 grants TxDMV the ability to place a title application on hold if TxDMV receives a hold request due to evidence of a lawsuit regarding vehicle ownership.

An applicant may appeal the hold; however, S.B. 1817 specifies that the applicant may not apply for a hearing if the title is related to a salvaged or nonrepairable vehicle.

(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

S.B. 1817 amends current law relating to vehicle titles and registration.

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 Section 2303.154, Occupations Code, by adding Subsection (h), to require that a vehicle sold in compliance with Chapter 2303 (Vehicle Storage Facilities) be titled and registered without the imposition by a county office of additional requirements not otherwise permitted by law.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 501.051, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (d), to require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to place a hold on processing a title application for a motor vehicle if TxDMV receives a request for a hold accompanied by evidence of a legal action regarding ownership of or a lien interest in the motor vehicle. Requires that the hold continue until a final, nonappealable judgment is entered in the action or the party requesting the hold requests that the hold be removed.

SECTION 3. Amends Section 501.052, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (f), as follows:

(e) Requires an aggrieved applicant to file an appeal of the assessor-collector's determinations regarding whether TxDMV correctly refused to issue or correctly rescinded, canceled, revoked, or suspended the title not later than the fifth day after receipt, rather than the fifth day after the date, of the determination.

(f) Prohibits a person from applying for a hearing under Section 501.052 (Hearing on Refusal to Issue or Revocation or Suspension of Title; Appeal) if TxDMV's decision under Section 501.051 (Grounds for Refusal to Issue or for Revocation or Suspension of Title) is related to a title for a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle, as defined by Section 501.091 (Definitions).

SECTION 4. Amends Section 501.053, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (f) to prohibit a person from obtaining a title under Section 501.053 (Filing of Bond as Alternative to Hearing) for a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle, as defined by Section 501.091.

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2021.