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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the authorized removal of certain motor vehicles. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. The heading to Section 545.305, Transportation |
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Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 545.305. AUTHORIZED REMOVAL OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES |
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[UNLAWFULLY STOPPED VEHICLE]. |
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SECTION 2. Section 545.305(a), Transportation Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) A peace officer listed under Article 2A.001, Code of |
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Criminal Procedure, or a license and weight inspector of the |
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department may remove or require the operator or a person in charge |
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of a vehicle to move a vehicle from a highway if the vehicle: |
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(1) is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or |
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in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic; |
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(2) is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to |
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a private driveway; |
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(3) has been reported as stolen; |
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(4) is identified as having been stolen in a warrant |
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issued on the filing of a complaint; |
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(5) is unattended and the officer has reasonable |
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grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer |
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than 48 hours; |
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(6) is disabled so that normal operation is impossible |
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or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle is: |
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(A) incapacitated and unable to provide for the |
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vehicle's removal or custody; or |
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(B) not in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle; |
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(7) is disabled so that normal operation is impossible |
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or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle does |
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not designate a particular towing or storage company; |
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(8) is operated by a person: |
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(A) an officer arrests for an alleged offense and |
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the officer is required by law to take the person into custody; or |
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(B) in violation of Section 521.021, 521.457, |
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601.191, or 729.002; or |
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(9) is, in the opinion of the officer, a hazard, |
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interferes with a normal function of a governmental agency, or |
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because of a catastrophe, emergency, or unusual circumstance is |
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imperiled. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |