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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to requiring the release of certain vehicles by tow truck |
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operators. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter J, Chapter 2308, |
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Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER J. RIGHTS OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF CERTAIN [STORED OR |
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BOOTED] VEHICLES |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter J, Chapter 2308, Occupations Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 2308.4501 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2308.4501. RELEASE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES BY TOW TRUCK |
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OPERATORS REQUIRED. The operator of a tow truck preparing to |
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perform a nonconsent tow shall release a vehicle to the owner or |
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operator of the vehicle if: |
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(1) the vehicle has not been moved from the site from |
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which it is to be towed; |
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(2) the vehicle is fully prepared to be towed legally |
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over a public road or highway; and |
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(3) the owner or operator of the vehicle pays a fee of |
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not more than $50 to the operator of the tow truck. |
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SECTION 3. Not later than December 1, 2021, the Texas |
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Department of Licensing and Regulation shall adopt rules as |
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necessary to implement Section 2308.4501, Occupations Code, as |
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added by this Act. |
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SECTION 4. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this |
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section, this Act takes effect January 1, 2022. |
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(b) Section 3 of this Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |