Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3620

Caption

Relating to the towing, booting, and storage of vehicles.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts existing state laws related to vehicle towing and storage by providing a clearer framework for both towing companies and vehicle owners. It introduces stricter compliance measures and outlines specific rights for vehicle owners, such as the right to a court hearing regarding the towing actions taken against their vehicles. Furthermore, it allows municipalities to maintain local ordinances regarding towing, ensuring local governments can address their specific needs while complying with state regulations. This dual-layered approach could aid in safeguarding consumer rights while still allowing local governance on the matter.

Summary

House Bill 3620 aims to revise and comprehensively regulate various aspects of vehicle towing, booting, and storage in Texas. This bill amends numerous sections of the Occupations Code, particularly those governing the operations of vehicle storage facilities and towing companies. Key changes include an updated definition of 'abandoned nuisance vehicles', modifications to how vehicle storage facilities operate, and increased requirements for notifying vehicle owners when their vehicles are towed or stored. It emphasizes the need for towing companies to have proper licensing and establishes clearer guidelines surrounding the rights of vehicle owners with respect to the towing and storage processes.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding HB 3620 concern the balance of power between state regulations and municipal control. Some stakeholders express concerns that this bill could lead to inconsistent enforcement of towing regulations across different municipalities. Others worry that the enforcement of new compliance rules might result in additional financial burdens for towing companies, potentially driving up costs for consumers. Furthermore, there are discussions around the implications of the defined licensing requirements for towing operators, with some arguing that it may limit access to towing services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3148

Relating to a vehicle storage facility operator's possessory lien on a vehicle and the vehicle's cargo, contents, and other personal property.

TX HB4447

Relating to impoundment, storage, and notification fees for vehicles stored at vehicle storage facilities; authorizing fee increases and decreases; requiring the adjustment of authorized fees.

TX HB3109

Relating to provision of notice by a vehicle storage facility through a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles electronic system; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3478

Relating to mediation of certain fee disputes between towing companies and motor carriers.

TX HB2190

Relating to the terminology used to describe transportation-related accidents.

TX HB1964

Relating to the release of a motor vehicle accident report to an employee or authorized representative of a vehicle storage facility.

TX HB718

Relating to the issuance of certain tags, permits, and license plates authorizing the movement of vehicles and the transfer and renewal of certain license plates.

TX SB1676

Relating to a bond in an appeal from a hearing for probable cause in the towing or booting of a motor vehicle.

TX HB4484

Relating to the ownership of the pore space underlying the surface of land and to the use of that space for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2567

Relating to the issuance of temporary tags and license plates by a motor vehicle dealer.

Similar Bills

TX SB2153

Relating to the booting of vehicles by private entities in parking facilities; providing penalties.

TX HB2508

Relating to the licensing and regulation of tow truck companies, tow truck operators, vehicle storage facilities, and vehicle storage facility employees, the regulation of parking facilities and parking facility owners, and the elimination of required state licensing for vehicle booting companies and operators.