Mississippi House Bill HB41

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Certificate of title; remove requirement for applicant to file a bond or deposit of cash as a condition of issuance.

Impact

The bill's implications include easing the process of obtaining vehicle titles for abandoned cars, which could lead to increased registration of such vehicles and better tracking of ownership. This change could also foster a more efficient management of abandoned vehicles within the state. The intent is to streamline the administrative process for the Department of Revenue regarding title issuance, ultimately benefiting individuals and dealers handling abandoned vehicles.

Summary

House Bill 41 aims to amend Section 63-21-23 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to remove the requirement for applicants or dealers to file a bond or deposit cash when seeking a certificate of title for a vehicle considered abandoned and unclaimed. This change is significant as it simplifies the process for individuals trying to obtain a title for vehicles that have been deemed abandoned under the law. Previously, applicants faced hurdles related to financial deposits, which could create challenges in retrieving ownership for such vehicles.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 41 could revolve around concerns regarding property rights and potential misuse of the relaxed bonding requirement. Critics may argue that eliminating the bonding requirement could open avenues for fraudulent claims on abandoned vehicles, potentially impacting former owners and lienholders. Advocates of the bill, however, suggest that it provides necessary relief for legitimate applicants without compromising the integrity of ownership verification processes.