Tennessee House Bill HB0490

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 12 and Title 55, Chapter 4, relative to vehicle registration.

Impact

If enacted, HB 0490 will introduce stricter compliance measures for vehicle registration in Tennessee. The bill stipulates that no vehicle can be registered or renewed unless the owner meets the requirements of the Financial Responsibility Law of 1977. By mandating that vehicle owners present valid proof of insurance at registration, the bill is expected to significantly reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on the road, which, as per legislative findings, correlates with higher safety standards for all motorists.

Summary

House Bill 0490, sponsored by Cepicky, seeks to amend specific sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning vehicle registration and compliance with the state's Financial Responsibility Law. The bill establishes clear guidelines regarding the registration and renewal of motor vehicles, emphasizing that the vehicle owner must provide proof of financial responsibility through acceptable documentation or via a verification program. This move aims to ensure that all vehicles on the road are properly insured, thus enhancing road safety and accountability among vehicle owners.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB 0490 related to the penalties for noncompliance. The bill introduces misdemeanor and felony charges for individuals who operate vehicles without complying with insurance requirements or engage in fraudulent activities concerning insurance documentation. Such measures may spark debate among lawmakers regarding how these penalties affect low-income individuals and raise concerns about the equitable application of these laws. Additionally, the implications of electronic documentation for insurance verification could be discussed, particularly in terms of accessibility and public awareness.