Texas House Bill HB239

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to verification of motor vehicle financial responsibility information.

Impact

If enacted, HB239 will significantly impact how financial responsibility is verified by law enforcement. It mandates that peace officers, when stopping a vehicle, must attempt to verify whether financial responsibility has been established through an official verification program before issuing a citation for noncompliance. This measure aims to reduce instances where citations are issued in error and to streamline the overall enforcement process related to vehicle insurance laws.

Source

House Bill 239 Legislative Text and Discussions

Summary

House Bill 239 seeks to amend the Texas Transportation Code by establishing clearer guidelines for the verification of motor vehicle financial responsibility information. The bill primarily focuses on allowing operators of motor vehicles to provide evidence of financial responsibility through various means, including a standard motor vehicle liability insurance policy, proof of such insurance on a wireless communication device, or a certificate of self-insurance. This modernization of the verification process is intended to facilitate compliance and ease the burden on vehicle operators in Texas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HB239 represents a significant step toward modernizing the verification of vehicle insurance in Texas, addressing the need for efficiency and compliance. However, it also opens up discussions about the privacy rights of individuals and the responsibilities of telecommunications providers. As the legislative process unfolds, these issues will likely be key points of debate among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB239 is related to the use of wireless communication devices to display proof of financial responsibility. While the bill allows for digital verification, concerns have been raised about privacy implications, specifically regarding access to the contents of the device. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect telecommunications providers from liability if a device fails to display the required information, which may raise questions about accountability in the verification process.