Texas House Bill HB995

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disposition of charges for registering a motor vehicle that has been operated while improperly registered.

Impact

By allowing counties to keep 50 percent of the revenue from these additional charges, HB995 effectively enables greater local control over transportation funds. This is anticipated to enhance the ability of counties to address their road maintenance needs and to allocate resources according to local priorities. The revenue-sharing aspect is intended to foster a more collaborative financial relationship between the state and local governments regarding vehicle registration and associated fees.

Summary

House Bill 995 relates to the disposition of charges for registering a motor vehicle that has been operated while improperly registered. The primary objective of the bill is to amend the Texas Transportation Code to direct a portion of the revenue generated from additional charges imposed on improperly registered vehicles to the county's road and bridge fund. This adjustment aims to provide local governments with a financial resource to support transportation infrastructure, which is vital for maintaining and improving roads in their jurisdiction.

Contention

While the bill is generally expected to provide a positive impact on local funding for transportation, there may be concerns about the fairness of imposing additional charges on vehicle registration. Some stakeholders might argue that these charges disproportionately affect lower-income individuals or families who may already struggle with the costs of vehicle ownership. Moreover, discussions may arise about the adequacy of funding provided to address transportation issues at the county level and whether this measure could lead to an over-reliance on additional fees to support road maintenance.