Texas House Bill HB2530

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/8/09
• Voted on by House: 4/28/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/18/09
• Governor Action: 5/30/09
• Enrolled: 5/20/09
• Passed: 5/30/09

Caption

Relating to the authority of a county assessor-collector or the Texas Department of Transportation to refuse to register certain vehicles.

Impact

If enacted, HB2530 will empower local government entities, like county assessor-collectors, to take a more proactive role in enforcing civil penalties by linking them to the vehicle registration process. This could lead to increased compliance among vehicle owners who may otherwise neglect or refuse to pay fines. By creating a direct consequence for non-payment, the bill has the potential to improve overall accountability within the motor vehicle registration system, enhancing governmental efficiency and ensuring that penalties are duly addressed.

Summary

House Bill 2530 aims to provide the authority to the county assessor-collector and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to refuse the registration of certain vehicles when the vehicle owner is delinquent in the payment of civil penalties. The bill specifically amends Section 707.017 of the Transportation Code, establishing a clear enforcement mechanism for addressing violations related to motor vehicles. This approach is intended to promote compliance with vehicle-related penalties, thereby ensuring a more accountable vehicle registration process in the state of Texas.

Contention

While the bill's intention is to improve compliance with civil penalties, there might be concerns regarding its implications on vehicle owners who inadvertently miss payment deadlines. Critics may argue that this could disproportionately affect low-income individuals or those facing financial difficulties who may struggle to pay fines promptly. However, supporters of the bill may contend that it provides a necessary tool for enforcing financial accountability and could ultimately benefit the state by ensuring that revenue from penalties is collected effectively.