Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB469

Filed
 
Introduced
2/1/11  
Out of Senate Committee
4/4/11  
Voted on by Senate
4/14/11  
Refer
2/14/11  
Out of House Committee
5/7/11  
Report Pass
4/4/11  
Voted on by House
5/23/11  
Engrossed
4/14/11  
Governor Action
6/17/11  
Refer
4/26/11  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Report Pass
5/3/11  
Enrolled
5/27/11  
Enrolled
5/27/11  
Passed
6/17/11  

Caption

Relating to the collection of unpaid tolls by a regional tollway authority.

Impact

The bill's adjustments are significant for the operational standards of tollway authorities. It mandates that if a vehicle does not pay the toll upon passing through a facility, the toll authority must invoice the vehicle's registered owner by mail. Owners then have a set period, typically 30 days, to pay these tolls. This could streamline the collection process and improve revenue capture for toll authorities. The updated procedures are also designed to facilitate compliance and ensure that registered vehicle owners are held accountable for unpaid tolls.

Summary

SB469 is a proposed act that modifies the current framework for the collection of unpaid tolls by regional tollway authorities in Texas. The bill introduces new terminology, notably defining 'toll assessment facility' as locations on toll projects where vehicles are assessed tolls. Crucially, it allows for more flexible collection methods including the use of video recordings, photography, and electronic data, meaning that tolls can be charged after the use of the toll road rather than requiring immediate payment.

Conclusion

Overall, SB469 reflects a significant shift in how tolls are collected in Texas, possibly improving efficiency but also introducing new penalties. As discussions continue, stakeholders will be keenly focused on ensuring the system remains fair and equitable for all vehicle users.

Contention

One potential point of contention with SB469 lies in its administrative penalties for noncompliance. The bill allows authorities to charge an administrative fee for late payments and introduces additional penalties for continued nonpayment, maturing through a series of escalating notices. Some opponents may express concern that these penalties could disproportionately affect lower-income drivers or those who may have simply overlooked payment due to reasons outside their control. Moreover, there could be pushback regarding the bill’s reliance on technology for toll collection, as this raises privacy and data security concerns.

Companion Bills

TX HB1483

Identical Relating to the collection of unpaid tolls by a regional tollway authority.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4864

Relating to the method of providing certain notices or invoices relating to toll collections by a toll project entity.

TX HB2991

Relating to toll collection and enforcement by toll project entities; authorizing an administrative fee; imposing a civil penalty.

TX SB316

Relating to toll collection and enforcement by toll project entities; authorizing an administrative fee; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB2170

Relating to toll collections by a toll project entity.

TX SB2400

Relating to collection of certain fines assessed for traffic offenses.

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 HB5338

Relating to the Harris County Flood Control District and the transfer to it of the assets, programs, and facilities of the Harris County Toll Road Authority; providing for the appointment of the governing body.

TX HB4917

Relating to the regulation of third-party data collection entities; providing a civil penalty and authorizing a fee.

TX HB3478

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

TX HB1523

Relating to the establishment of a program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and certain county housing authorities to incentivize landlords to accept tenants participating in the housing choice voucher program.

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