By: Martinez (Senate Sponsor - Seliger) H.B. No. 3531
         (In the Senate - Received from the House May 17, 2021;
  May 17, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on
  Transportation; May 21, 2021, reported adversely, with favorable
  Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 9, Nays 0;
  May 21, 2021, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
 
  COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 3531 By:  Seliger
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to motor vehicle titles, registration, and license plates.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  The heading to Subchapter B, Chapter 501,
  Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER B. [CERTIFICATE OF] TITLE REQUIREMENTS
         SECTION 2.  Section 501.0234(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  This section does not apply to a motor vehicle:
               (1)  that has been declared a total loss by an insurance
  company in the settlement or adjustment of a claim;
               (2)  for which the title has been surrendered in
  exchange for:
                     (A)  a salvage vehicle title [or salvage record of
  title] issued under this chapter;
                     (B)  a nonrepairable vehicle title [or
  nonrepairable vehicle record of title] issued under this chapter or
  a certificate of authority issued under Subchapter D, Chapter 683;
  or
                     (C)  an ownership document issued by another state
  that is comparable to a document described by Paragraph (A) or (B);
               (3)  with a gross weight in excess of 11,000 pounds; or
               (4)  purchased by a commercial fleet buyer who:
                     (A)  is a deputy authorized by rules adopted under
  Section 520.0071;
                     (B)  utilizes the dealer title application
  process developed to provide a method to submit title transactions
  to the county in which the commercial fleet buyer is a deputy; and
                     (C)  has authority to accept an application for
  registration and application for title transfer that the county
  assessor-collector may accept.
         SECTION 3.  Section 501.0276, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.0276.  DENIAL OF TITLE RECEIPT OR [,] TITLE [, OR
  RECORD OF TITLE] FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF EMISSIONS
  TESTING.  A county assessor-collector may not issue a title receipt
  and the department may not issue a [certificate of] title for a
  vehicle subject to Section 548.3011 unless proof that the vehicle
  has passed a vehicle emissions test as required by that section, in
  a manner authorized by that section, is presented to the county
  assessor-collector with the application for a title.
         SECTION 4.  Section 501.0301(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A county assessor-collector may not issue a title
  receipt and the department may not issue a [certificate of] title
  for an off-highway vehicle purchased from a retailer located
  outside this state and designated by the manufacturer as a model
  year that is not more than one year before the year in which the
  application for title is made unless the applicant for the title
  delivers to the assessor-collector or the department, as
  applicable, satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant:
               (1)  has paid to the comptroller the applicable use tax
  imposed on the vehicle under Subchapter D, Chapter 151, Tax Code; or
               (2)  is not required to pay any taxes described by
  Subdivision (1).
         SECTION 5.  The heading to Section 501.038, Transportation
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.038.  [CERTIFICATE OF] TITLE FOR CUSTOM VEHICLE OR
  STREET ROD.
         SECTION 6.  Section 501.038(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if
  the department issues a [certificate of] title for a custom vehicle
  or street rod, the model year and make of the vehicle must be listed
  on the [certificate of] title and must be the model year and make
  that the body of the vehicle resembles.  The [certificate of] title
  must also include the word "replica."
         SECTION 7.  The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 501,
  Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER C. REFUSAL TO ISSUE, REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, OR
  ALTERATION OF TITLE [CERTIFICATE]
         SECTION 8.  Section 501.051, Transportation Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
         (d)  The department shall place a hold on processing a title
  application for a motor vehicle if the department receives a
  request for a hold accompanied by evidence of a legal action
  regarding ownership of or a lien interest in the motor vehicle. The
  hold shall continue until a final, nonappealable judgment is
  entered in the action or the party requesting the hold requests that
  the hold be removed.
         SECTION 9.  Section 501.052, Transportation Code, is amended
  by amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (f) to read as
  follows:
         (e)  An applicant aggrieved by the determination under
  Subsection (d) may appeal only to the county or district court of
  the county of the applicant's residence.  An applicant must file an
  appeal not later than the fifth day after receipt [the date] of the
  assessor-collector's determination.  The judge shall try the
  appeal in the manner of other civil cases.  All rights and
  immunities granted in the trial of a civil case are available to the
  interested parties.  If the department's action is not sustained,
  the department shall promptly issue a title for the vehicle.
         (f)  A person may not apply for a hearing under this section
  if the department's decision under Section 501.051 is related to a
  title for a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle,
  as defined by Section 501.091.
         SECTION 10.  Section 501.053, Transportation Code, is
  amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
         (f)  A person may not obtain a title under this section for a
  salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle, as defined
  by Section 501.091.
         SECTION 11.  Section 501.074(a), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The department shall issue a new title for a motor
  vehicle registered in this state for which the ownership is
  transferred by operation of law or other involuntary divestiture of
  ownership after receiving:
               (1)  a certified copy of an order appointing a
  temporary administrator or of the probate proceedings;
               (2)  letters testamentary or letters of
  administration;
               (3)  if administration of an estate is not necessary,
  an affidavit showing that administration is not necessary,
  identifying all heirs, and including a statement by the heirs of the
  name in which the title [certificate] shall be issued;
               (4)  a court order; or
               (5)  the bill of sale from an officer making a judicial
  sale.
         SECTION 12.  Section 501.091, Transportation Code, is
  amended by adding Subdivision (1-a) and amending Subdivisions (10)
  and (16) to read as follows:
               (1-a)  "Auction sales receipt" means a document
  certifying the sale of a motor vehicle at auction by a law
  enforcement agency or public sale for a lien foreclosure.
               (10)  "Nonrepairable vehicle title" means a
  nonrepairable record of title or printed document issued by the
  department that evidences ownership of a nonrepairable motor
  vehicle.
               (16)  "Salvage vehicle title" means a salvage record of
  title or printed document issued by the department that evidences
  ownership of a salvage motor vehicle.
         SECTION 13.  The heading to Section 501.09111,
  Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.09111.  RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS OF NONREPAIRABLE
  VEHICLE TITLE OR [, NONREPAIRABLE RECORD OF TITLE,] SALVAGE VEHICLE
  TITLE [, OR SALVAGE RECORD OF TITLE].
         SECTION 14.  Section 501.09111(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A person who holds a nonrepairable vehicle [certificate
  of] title issued prior to September 1, 2003,  is entitled to the
  same rights listed in Subsection (a) and may repair, rebuild, or
  reconstruct the motor vehicle.
         SECTION 15.  Sections 501.09112(b), (d), (e), and (f),
  Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A nonrepairable vehicle title must clearly indicate
  that the motor vehicle:
               (1)  may not be:
                     (A)  issued a [regular] title;
                     (B)  registered in this state; or
                     (C)  repaired, rebuilt, or reconstructed; and
               (2)  may be used only as a source for used parts or
  scrap metal.
         (d)  A salvage vehicle title [or a salvage record of title]
  for a vehicle that is a salvage motor vehicle because of damage
  caused exclusively by flood must bear a notation that the
  department considers appropriate. If the title for a motor vehicle
  reflects the notation required by this subsection, the owner may
  sell, transfer, or release the motor vehicle only as provided by
  this subchapter.
         (e)  An electronic application for a nonrepairable vehicle
  title or [, nonrepairable record of title,] salvage vehicle title
  [, or salvage record of title] must clearly advise the applicant of
  the same provisions required on a printed title.
         (f)  A nonrepairable vehicle title or [, nonrepairable
  record of title,] salvage vehicle title [, or salvage record of
  title] in the department's electronic database must include
  appropriate remarks so that the vehicle record clearly shows the
  status of the vehicle.
         SECTION 16.  The heading to Section 501.0925, Transportation
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.0925.  INSURANCE COMPANY NOT REQUIRED TO SURRENDER
  EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP [CERTIFICATES OF TITLE] IN CERTAIN
  SITUATIONS.
         SECTION 17.  Sections 501.0925(a), (b), (c), (d), and (f),
  Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  An insurance company that acquires, through payment of a
  claim, ownership or possession of a motor vehicle covered by a
  [certificate of] title or a manufacturer's certificate of origin
  that the company is unable to obtain may obtain from the department
  not earlier than the 30th day after the date of payment of the
  claim:
               (1)  a salvage vehicle title for a salvage motor
  vehicle;
               (2)  a nonrepairable vehicle title for a nonrepairable
  motor vehicle; or
               (3)  a [regular certificate of] title for a motor
  vehicle other than a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor
  vehicle.
         (b)  An application for a title under Subsection (a) must be
  [submitted to the department] on a form prescribed by the
  department and include:
               (1)  a statement that the insurance company has
  provided at least two written notices attempting to obtain the
  evidence of ownership [certificate of title] for the motor vehicle;
  and
               (2)  evidence acceptable to the department that the
  insurance company has made payment of a claim involving the motor
  vehicle.
         (c)  An insurance company that acquires, through payment of a
  claim, ownership or possession of a motor vehicle covered by a
  [certificate of] title or a manufacturer's certificate of origin
  for which the company is unable to obtain  proper assignment of the
  title or manufacturer's certificate of origin [certificate] may
  obtain from the department not earlier than the 30th day after the
  date of payment of the claim:
               (1)  a salvage vehicle title for a salvage motor
  vehicle;
               (2)  a nonrepairable vehicle title for a nonrepairable
  motor vehicle; or
               (3)  a [regular certificate of] title for a motor
  vehicle other than a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor
  vehicle.
         (d)  An application for a title under Subsection (c) must be
  [submitted to the department] on a form prescribed by the
  department and include:
               (1)  a statement that the insurance company has
  provided at least two written notices attempting to obtain a proper
  assignment of the evidence of ownership [certificate of title]; and
               (2)  the evidence of ownership [certificate of title].
         (f)  An insurance company that acquires, through payment of a
  claim, ownership or possession of a motor vehicle, salvage motor
  vehicle, or nonrepairable motor vehicle covered by an out-of-state
  title or out-of-state ownership document may obtain from the
  department a title, salvage vehicle title, or nonrepairable vehicle
  title, as appropriate, if:
               (1)  the motor vehicle was damaged, stolen, or
  recovered in this state;
               (2)  the motor vehicle owner from whom the company
  acquired ownership resides in this state; or
               (3)  otherwise allowed by department rule.
         SECTION 18.  Sections 501.097(a) and (c-1), Transportation
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  An application for a nonrepairable vehicle title or [,
  nonrepairable record of title,] salvage vehicle title [, or salvage
  record of title] must:
               (1)  be made in a manner prescribed by the department
  and accompanied by a $8 application fee;
               (2)  include, in addition to any other information
  required by the department:
                     (A)  the name and current address of the owner;
  and
                     (B)  a description of the motor vehicle, including
  the make, style of body, model year, and vehicle identification
  number; and
               (3)  include the name and address of:
                     (A)  any currently recorded lienholder, if the
  motor vehicle is a nonrepairable motor vehicle; or
                     (B)  any currently recorded lienholder or a new
  lienholder, if the motor vehicle is a salvage motor vehicle.
         (c-1)  The department's titling system must include a remark
  that clearly identifies the vehicle as a salvage motor vehicle or
  nonrepairable motor vehicle.
         SECTION 19.  The heading to Section 501.100, Transportation
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.100.  APPLICATION FOR [REGULAR CERTIFICATE OF]
  TITLE FOR SALVAGE VEHICLE.
         SECTION 20.  Sections 501.100(a) and (f), Transportation
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The owner of a motor vehicle for which a nonrepairable
  vehicle title issued prior to September 1, 2003, [or] for which a
  salvage vehicle title [or salvage record of title] has been issued,
  or for which a comparable out-of-state ownership document for a
  salvage motor vehicle has been issued may apply for a title under
  Section 501.023 after the motor vehicle has been repaired, rebuilt,
  or reconstructed and, in addition to any other requirement of law,
  only if the application:
               (1)  describes each major component part used to
  repair, rebuild, or reconstruct the motor vehicle;
               (2)  states the name of each person from whom the parts
  used in repairing, rebuilding, or reconstructing [assembling] the
  vehicle were obtained; and
               (3)  shows the identification number required by
  federal law to be affixed to or inscribed on the part.
         (f)  The department may not issue a [regular] title for a
  motor vehicle based on a:
               (1)  nonrepairable vehicle title issued on or after
  September 1, 2003, or comparable out-of-state ownership document or
  record, or evidence of a notation described by Section
  501.09113(a)(2) on an out-of-state ownership document or record in
  the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System;
               (2)  receipt issued under Section 501.1003(b); or
               (3)  certificate of authority issued under Chapter 683.
         SECTION 21.  Sections 501.1001(b), (c), and (d),
  Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  For a salvage motor vehicle, the insurance company shall
  apply for a salvage vehicle title [or salvage record of
  title].  For a nonrepairable motor vehicle, the insurance company
  shall apply for a nonrepairable vehicle title [or nonrepairable
  record of title].
         (c)  An insurance company or other person who acquires
  ownership of a motor vehicle other than a nonrepairable motor
  vehicle or salvage motor vehicle may voluntarily and on proper
  application obtain a salvage vehicle title or [, salvage record of
  title,] nonrepairable vehicle title [, or nonrepairable record of
  title] for the vehicle.
         (d)  This subsection applies only to a motor vehicle in this
  state that is a self-insured motor vehicle and that is damaged to
  the extent it becomes a nonrepairable motor vehicle or salvage
  motor vehicle. The owner of a motor vehicle to which this
  subsection applies shall submit to the department before the 31st
  business day after the date of the damage, in a manner prescribed by
  the department, a statement that the motor vehicle was self-insured
  and damaged. When the owner submits a report, the owner shall
  surrender the ownership document and apply for a nonrepairable
  vehicle title or [, nonrepairable record of title,] salvage vehicle
  title [, or salvage record of title].
         SECTION 22.  Section 501.1002(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The owner of a salvage motor vehicle or nonrepairable
  motor vehicle may not transfer ownership of the motor vehicle by
  sale or otherwise unless the department has issued a salvage
  vehicle title or [, salvage record of title,] nonrepairable vehicle
  title [, or nonrepairable record of title] for the motor vehicle or
  a comparable ownership document has been issued by another state or
  jurisdiction for the motor vehicle in the name of the owner.
         SECTION 23.  Section 501.1003, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.1003.  SALVAGE VEHICLE DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES.
  (a)  If a salvage vehicle dealer acquires ownership of a
  nonrepairable motor vehicle or salvage motor vehicle for the
  purpose of dismantling, scrapping, or destroying the motor vehicle,
  the dealer shall, before the 31st day after the date the dealer
  acquires the motor vehicle, submit to the department a report
  stating that the motor vehicle will be dismantled, scrapped, or
  destroyed.  The dealer shall:
               (1)  make the report in a manner prescribed by the
  department; and
               (2)  submit with the report a properly assigned
  manufacturer's certificate of origin, [regular certificate of]
  title, nonrepairable vehicle title, salvage vehicle title, auction
  sales receipt, or comparable out-of-state ownership document for
  the motor vehicle.
         (b)  After receiving the report and title, manufacturer's
  certificate of origin, auction sales receipt, or document, the
  department shall issue the salvage vehicle dealer a receipt for the
  manufacturer's certificate of origin, [regular certificate of]
  title, nonrepairable vehicle title, salvage vehicle title, auction
  sales receipt, or comparable out-of-state ownership document.
         (c)  The department shall adopt rules to notify the salvage
  vehicle dealer if the vehicle was not issued a printed title, but
  has a record of title in the department's titling system.
         SECTION 24.  Section 501.107(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A metal recycler shall submit to the department the
  properly assigned manufacturer's certificate of origin, [regular
  certificate of] title, nonrepairable vehicle title, salvage
  vehicle title, or comparable out-of-state ownership document that
  the person receives in conjunction with the purchase of a motor
  vehicle not later than the 60th day after the date the metal
  recycler receives the title or out-of-state ownership document.
         SECTION 25.  Section 501.109(c), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly
  fails or refuses to surrender a [regular] certificate of title
  after the person:
               (1)  receives a notice from an insurance company that
  the motor vehicle is a nonrepairable motor vehicle or salvage motor
  vehicle; or
               (2)  knows the vehicle has become a nonrepairable motor
  vehicle or salvage motor vehicle under Section 501.1001.
         SECTION 26.  Section 501.110(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The department, an agent, officer, or employee of the
  department, or another person enforcing this subchapter is not
  liable to a person damaged or injured by an act or omission relating
  to the issuance or revocation of a title, nonrepairable vehicle
  title, or [nonrepairable record of title,] salvage vehicle title [,
  or salvage record of title] under this subchapter.
         SECTION 27.  Section 501.152(a), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by this section, a person commits an
  offense if the person:
               (1)  sells, offers to sell, or offers as security for an
  obligation a motor vehicle registered in this state; and
               (2)  does not possess or have electronic access to the
  title receipt or [certificate of] title for the vehicle.
         SECTION 28.  Section 502.094, Transportation Code, is
  amended by adding Subsection (i) to read as follows:
         (i)  A permit issued under this section must be carried in
  the vehicle, or, if the vehicle is a trailer or semitrailer, in the
  motor vehicle pulling the trailer or semitrailer, at all times
  during the period in which the permit is valid, including when the
  vehicle is being operated.
         SECTION 29.  Section 502.095(f), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (f)  A registration receipt shall be carried in the vehicle
  at all times during the period in which it is valid.  The permit
  [temporary tag] must contain all pertinent information required by
  this section and must be attached to the vehicle in the license
  plate display area located at the rear of the vehicle, so that the
  entire permit is visible and legible at all times, including when
  the vehicle is being operated. If the vehicle does not have a
  license plate display area at the rear of the vehicle, the permit
  [displayed in the rear window of the vehicle so that the tag is
  clearly visible and legible when viewed from the rear of the
  vehicle.  If the vehicle does not have a rear window, the temporary
  tag] must be attached to [on or carried in] the vehicle to allow
  ready inspection.  The registration receipt must be carried, in a
  manner prescribed by the department, in the vehicle at all times
  during the period in which it is valid.
         SECTION 30.  Sections 502.454(a), (b), and (f),
  Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The owner of a commercial motor vehicle, trailer, or
  semitrailer may apply for registration under Section 502.451 and is
  exempt from the payment of the registration fee that would
  otherwise be required by this chapter if the vehicle is:
               (1)  owned [and used exclusively for emergencies] by a
  nonprofit disaster relief organization; and
               (2)  used by the organization exclusively for
  emergencies, training, equipment maintenance, transportation of
  disaster relief supplies, or other activities related to disaster
  relief.
         (b)  An application for registration under this section must
  include:
               (1)  a statement by the owner of the vehicle that the
  vehicle is used exclusively as described by Subsection (a) [for
  emergencies] and has not been used for any other purpose;
               (2)  a statement signed by an officer of the nonprofit
  disaster relief organization that the vehicle has [not] been used
  exclusively as described by Subsection (a) [for any purpose other
  than emergencies] and qualifies for registration under this
  section; and
               (3)  a reasonable description of the vehicle and the
  emergency equipment included in the vehicle.
         (f)  A vehicle registered under this section that is used
  [for any purpose] other than as described by Subsection (a) [an
  emergency] may not again be registered under this section.
         SECTION 31.  Section 502.474, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 502.474.  OPERATION OF ONE-TRIP PERMIT VEHICLE.  A
  person commits an offense if the person operates a vehicle for which
  a one-trip permit is required without the registration receipt and
  properly displayed permit [temporary tag].
         SECTION 32.  Section 504.202(e-1), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (e-1)  Other than license plates issued under Subsection
  (h), license plates issued under this section may include, on
  request, [:
               [(1)  the emblem of the veteran's branch of service; or
               [(2)]  one emblem or design from another license plate
  to which the person is entitled under Subchapter D [Section
  504.308, 504.309, 504.310(b), 504.311, 504.312, 504.313, 504.3135,
  504.314, 504.315, 504.316, 504.3161, 504.318, 504.319, 504.320,
  504.323, as added by Chapter 1085 (H.B. 3567), Acts of the 85th
  Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, or 504.325].
         SECTION 33.  Section 504.3015(a), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A person applying for a set of license plates under this
  subchapter shall pay the registration fee required under Chapter
  502 and the applicable special plate fee required under this
  section, except that one set of license plates shall be issued
  without the payment of the registration fee under:
               (1)  Section 504.308;
               (2)  Section 504.310(b);
               (3)  Section 504.315, other than Subsections (c) and
  (q) of that section; [and]
               (4)  Section 504.316; and
               (5)  Section 504.319.
         SECTION 34.  Section 504.403, Transportation Code, as
  amended by Chapter 1296 (H.B. 2357), Acts of the 82nd Legislature,
  Regular Session, 2011, and repealed by Chapter 1290 (H.B. 2017),
  Acts of the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, is reenacted
  and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 504.403.  STATE AND FEDERAL JUDGES. (a) The department
  shall issue specialty license plates for a current or visiting
  state or federal judge. Except as provided by Subsection (b), the
  [The] license plates must include the words "State Judge" or "U.S.
  Judge," as appropriate.
         (b)  A person entitled to license plates under this section
  may elect to receive license plates that do not include the words
  "State Judge" or "U.S. Judge."
         (c) [(d)]  In this section, "state[:
               [(2)  "State] judge" means:
               (1) [(A)]  a justice of the supreme court;
               (2) [(B)]  a judge of the court of criminal appeals;
               (3) [(C)]  a judge of a court of appeals of this state;
               (4) [(D)]  a district court judge;
               (5) [(E)]  a presiding judge of an administrative
  judicial district; or
               (6) [(F)]  a statutory county court judge.
         SECTION 35.  Section 504.943(b), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A person commits an offense if the person operates on a
  public highway during a registration period a road tractor, truck
  tractor, motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer that does not display
  a license plate that:
               (1)  has been assigned by the department for the
  period; and
               (2)  complies with department rules regarding the
  placement of license plates.
         SECTION 36.  Sections 504.654, 504.660, and 504.664,
  Transportation Code, are repealed.
         SECTION 37.  To the extent of any conflict, this Act prevails
  over another Act of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021,
  relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in enacted
  codes.
         SECTION 38.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
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