Texas House Bill HB3278

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation, organization, governance, duties, and functions of the Texas Department of Vehicles; providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to significantly impact state vehicle laws and governance. The creation of the Texas Department of Vehicles as an independent agency allows the state to enhance its regulatory scope. It consolidates multiple previous regulations and enforces a cohesive framework, which may lead to improvements in operational efficiency and compliance. The department will also oversee penalties related to violations, aiming to enhance accountability among vehicle dealers and owners.

Summary

House Bill 3278 aims to establish and define the creation, organization, governance, duties, and functions of the Texas Department of Vehicles. The bill emphasizes the administration and enforcement of various existing vehicle laws, including those related to vehicle titles and registration, motor vehicle dealers, and related transportation regulations. This move is seen as an effort to centralize and enhance the regulatory authority of the state over vehicle-related functions, facilitating a more streamlined process for vehicle management and oversight.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on establishing a clearer framework for vehicle regulations, there may be points of contention among stakeholders regarding the centralized power of the Texas Department of Vehicles. Concerns may arise over potential overreach by the state in enforcing administrative penalties and regulations that could impact local vehicle dealers and consumers alike. Additionally, as the bill includes provisions for penalties, stakeholders are likely to debate the fairness and effectiveness of these measures in addressing vehicle-related offenses.