Texas Senate Bill SB1356

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/1/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by House: 5/15/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to a fee associated with the assignment of a vehicle identification number by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Impact

The enactment of SB1356 is expected to have direct financial implications for counties in Texas. By allowing the sheriffs' departments to charge a fee, the bill aims to provide a new source of revenue that can assist in covering the costs of auto theft investigations and the administration of vehicle titles. This could be particularly beneficial for counties that have limited resources to allocate towards these necessary law enforcement and administrative tasks.

Summary

Senate Bill 1356 proposes an amendment to Section 501.033 of the Transportation Code, specifically addressing the assignment of vehicle identification numbers (VIN) by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The bill allows sheriffs' departments that conduct inspections required by TxDOT to impose a fee of $40. This fee is intended to help defray the costs associated with administering vehicle title hearings and related services that the sheriff's department provides.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surrounding SB1356 may include concerns about the additional fees imposed on vehicle owners. Critics may argue that imposing a $40 fee could disproportionately affect individuals in lower-income communities, who may already be burdened by various vehicle-related costs. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the justification for the fee and how effectively the funds will be utilized within the sheriff's department and county general fund.