Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1401 Latest Draft

Bill / Senate Committee Report Version Filed 02/01/2025

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                            By: Williams S.B. No. 1401
 (In the Senate - Filed March 9, 2011; March 22, 2011, read
 first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and Homeland
 Security; April 13, 2011, reported adversely, with favorable
 Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 8, Nays 0;
 April 13, 2011, sent to printer.)
 COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1401 By:  Williams


 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 AN ACT
 relating to the organization, governance, duties, and functions of
 the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 SECTION 1.  Section 2301.002, Occupations Code, is amended
 by adding Subdivisions (1-a) and (14-a) and amending Subdivisions
 (11), (16), (23), and (32) to read as follows:
 (1-a)  "Ambulance manufacturer" means a person other
 than the manufacturer of a motor vehicle chassis who, before the
 retail sale of the motor vehicle, performs modifications on the
 chassis that result in the finished product being classified as an
 ambulance.
 (11)  "Distributor" means a person, other than a
 manufacturer, who:
 (A)  distributes or sells new motor vehicles to a
 franchised dealer; or
 (B)  enters into franchise agreements with
 franchised dealers, on behalf of the manufacturer.
 (14-a)  "Fire-fighting vehicle manufacturer" means a
 person other than the manufacturer of a motor vehicle chassis who,
 before the retail sale of the motor vehicle, performs modifications
 on the chassis that result in the finished product being classified
 as a fire-fighting vehicle.
 (16)  "Franchised dealer" means a person who:
 (A)  holds a franchised motor vehicle dealer's
 license issued by the board under this chapter and Chapter 503,
 Transportation Code; and
 (B)  is engaged in the business of buying,
 selling, or exchanging new motor vehicles and servicing or
 repairing motor vehicles under a manufacturer's warranty at an
 established and permanent place of business under a franchise in
 effect with a manufacturer or distributor.
 (23)  "Motor vehicle" means:
 (A)  a fully self-propelled vehicle having two or
 more wheels that has as its primary purpose the transport of a
 person or persons, or property, on a public highway;
 (B)  a fully self-propelled vehicle having two or
 more wheels that:
 (i)  has as its primary purpose the
 transport of a person or persons or property;
 (ii)  is not manufactured for use on public
 streets, roads, or highways; and
 (iii)  meets the requirements for [has been
 issued] a certificate of title;
 (C)  an engine, transmission, or rear axle,
 regardless of whether attached to a vehicle chassis, manufactured
 for installation in a vehicle that has:
 (i)  the transport of a person or persons, or
 property, on a public highway as its primary purpose; and
 (ii)  a gross vehicle weight rating of more
 than 16,000 pounds; or
 (D)  a towable recreational vehicle.
 (32)  "Towable recreational vehicle" means a
 nonmotorized vehicle that:
 (A)  was originally designed and manufactured
 primarily to provide temporary human habitation in conjunction with
 recreational, camping, or seasonal use;
 (B)  meets the requirements to be issued a
 certificate of title and registration by [is titled and registered
 with] the department as a travel trailer through a county tax
 assessor-collector;
 (C)  is permanently built on a single chassis;
 (D)  contains at least one life support system;
 and
 (E)  is designed to be towable by a motor vehicle.
 SECTION 2.  Subsection (a), Section 2301.153, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board
 has all powers necessary, incidental, or convenient to perform a
 power or duty expressly granted under this chapter, including the
 power to:
 (1)  initiate and conduct proceedings, investigations,
 or hearings;
 (2)  administer oaths;
 (3)  receive evidence and pleadings;
 (4)  issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of any
 person;
 (5)  order the production of any tangible property,
 including papers, records, or other documents;
 (6)  make findings of fact on all factual issues
 arising out of a proceeding initiated under this chapter;
 (7)  specify and govern appearance, practice, and
 procedures before the board;
 (8)  adopt rules and issue conclusions of law and
 decisions, including declaratory decisions or orders;
 (9)  enter into contracts;
 (10)  execute instruments;
 (11)  retain counsel;
 (12)  use the services of the attorney general and
 institute and direct the conduct of legal proceedings in any forum;
 (13)  obtain other professional services as necessary
 and convenient;
 (14)  impose a sanction for contempt;
 (15)  assess and collect fees and costs, including
 attorney's fees;
 (16)  issue, suspend, or revoke licenses;
 (17)  prohibit and regulate acts and practices in
 connection with the distribution and sale of motor vehicles or
 warranty performance obligations;
 (18)  issue cease and desist orders in the nature of
 temporary or permanent injunctions;
 (19)  impose a civil penalty;
 (20)  enter an order requiring a person to:
 (A)  repurchase property under Section 2301.465
 and pay costs and expenses of a party in connection with an order
 entered under that section [Section 2301.465];
 (B)  perform an act other than the payment of
 money; or
 (C)  refrain from performing an act; and
 (21)  enforce a board order.
 SECTION 3.  Section 2301.154, Occupations Code, is amended
 to read as follows:
 Sec. 2301.154.  DELEGATION OF POWERS.  (a)  The director may
 delegate any of the director's powers to  one or more of the
 division's employees.
 (b)  The board by rule may delegate any power relating to a
 contested case hearing, other than the power to issue a final order,
 to:
 (1)  one or more of the board's members;
 (2)  the executive director;
 (3)  the director; or
 (4)  one or more of the department's employees.
 (c)  The board by rule may delegate the authority to issue a
 final order in a contested case hearing to:
 (1)  one or more of the board's members;
 (2)  the executive director; or
 (3)  the director of a division within the department
 designated by the board or the executive director to carry out the
 requirements of this chapter.
 (d)  The board by rule may delegate any power relating to a
 complaint investigation to any person employed by the department.
 SECTION 4.  Subsection (b), Section 2301.252, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (b)  For purposes of this section:
 (1)  the make of a conversion[, ambulance, or
 fire-fighting vehicle] is that of the chassis manufacturer; [and]
 (2)  the make of a motor home is that of the motor home
 manufacturer;
 (3)  the make of an ambulance is that of the ambulance
 manufacturer; and
 (4)  the make of a fire-fighting vehicle is that of the
 fire-fighting vehicle manufacturer.
 SECTION 5.  Subsections (a), (b), and (c), Section 2301.257,
 Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
 (a)  An application for a dealer's license must be on a form
 prescribed by the department [board]. The application must
 include:
 (1)  the information required by Chapter 503,
 Transportation Code; and
 (2)  information relating to the applicant's financial
 resources, business integrity, business ability and experience,
 franchise if applicable, physical facilities, vehicle inventory,
 and other factors the department [board] considers necessary to
 determine the applicant's qualifications to adequately serve the
 public.
 (b)  If a material change occurs in the information included
 in an application for a dealer's license, the dealer shall notify
 the department [director] of the change within a reasonable
 time.  The department [director] shall prescribe a form for the
 disclosure of the change.
 (c)  A franchised dealer must apply for a separate license
 under this section for each separate and distinct dealership
 showroom as determined by the department [board]. Before changing
 a location, a dealer must obtain a new license for that location.
 SECTION 6.  Section 2301.258, Occupations Code, is amended
 to read as follows:
 Sec. 2301.258.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR
 MANUFACTURER'S, DISTRIBUTOR'S, CONVERTER'S, OR REPRESENTATIVE'S
 LICENSE. An application for a manufacturer's, distributor's,
 converter's, or representative's license must be on a form
 prescribed by the department [board]. The application must include
 information the department [board] determines necessary to fully
 determine the qualifications of an applicant, including financial
 resources, business integrity and experience, facilities and
 personnel for serving franchised dealers, and other information the
 department [board] determines pertinent to safeguard the public
 interest and welfare.
 SECTION 7.  Subsection (a), Section 2301.261, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a)  An application for a vehicle lessor's license must:
 (1)  be on a form prescribed by the department [board];
 (2)  contain evidence of compliance with Chapter 503,
 Transportation Code, if applicable; and
 (3)  state other information required by the department
 [board].
 SECTION 8.  Subsection (a), Section 2301.262, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a)  An application for a vehicle lease facilitator license
 must be on a form prescribed by the department [board] and contain
 the information required by the department [board].
 SECTION 9.  Subsections (c) and (d), Section 2301.264,
 Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
 (c)  The department [board] may prorate the fee for a
 representative's license to allow the representative's license and
 the license of the manufacturer or distributor who employs the
 representative to expire on the same day.
 (d)  The department [board] may refund from funds
 appropriated to the department [board] for that purpose a fee
 collected under this chapter that is not due or that exceeds the
 amount due.
 SECTION 10.  Subsections (a), (b), (c), and (e), Section
 2301.301, Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
 (a)  Licenses issued under this chapter are valid for the
 period prescribed by the board [commission].
 (b)  The department [director] may issue a license for a term
 of less than the period prescribed under Subsection (a) to
 coordinate the expiration dates of licenses held by a person that is
 required to obtain more than one license to perform activities
 under this chapter.
 (c)  The board [commission] by rule may implement a system
 under which licenses expire on various dates during the year.  For
 a year in which a license expiration date is changed [If a license
 is issued or renewed for a term that is less than the period set
 under Subsection (a)], the fee for the license shall be prorated so
 that the license holder pays only that portion of the fee that is
 allocable to the number of months during which the license is
 valid.  On renewal of the license on the new expiration date, the
 entire license renewal fee is payable.
 (e)  If the department [commission] prescribes the term of a
 license under this chapter for a period other than one year, the
 department [commission] shall prorate the applicable annual fee
 required under this chapter as necessary to reflect the term of the
 license.
 SECTION 11.  Section 2301.302, Occupations Code, is amended
 to read as follows:
 Sec. 2301.302.  NOTICE OF LICENSE EXPIRATION. The
 department [board] shall notify each person licensed under this
 chapter of the date of license expiration and the amount of the fee
 required for license renewal. The notice shall be sent [mailed] at
 least 30 days before the date of license expiration.
 SECTION 12.  Section 2301.351, Occupations Code, is amended
 to read as follows:
 Sec. 2301.351.  GENERAL PROHIBITION. A dealer may not:
 (1)  violate a board rule;
 (2)  aid or abet a person who violates this chapter,
 Chapter 503, Transportation Code, or a rule adopted under those
 chapters; or
 (3)  use false, deceptive, or misleading advertising
 relating to the sale or lease of motor vehicles.
 SECTION 13.  Subsections (a) and (c), Section 2301.358,
 Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
 (a)  A person who holds a license issued under this chapter
 may not participate in a new motor vehicle show or exhibition
 unless:
 (1)  the person provides the department [board] with
 written notice at least 30 days before the date the show or
 exhibition opens; and
 (2)  the department [board] grants written approval.
 (c)  This section does not prohibit the sale of a towable
 recreational vehicle, motor home, ambulance, fire-fighting
 vehicle, or tow truck at a show or exhibition if:
 (1)  the show or exhibition is approved by the
 department [board]; and
 (2)  the sale is not otherwise prohibited by law.
 SECTION 14.  Subsection (a), Section 2301.401, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a)  A manufacturer or distributor shall file with the
 department [board] a copy of the current requirements the
 manufacturer or distributor imposes on its dealers with respect to
 the dealer's:
 (1)  duties under the manufacturer's or distributor's
 warranty; and
 (2)  vehicle preparation and delivery obligations.
 SECTION 15.  Subsection (a), Section 2301.454, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a)  Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise, a
 manufacturer, distributor, or representative may not modify or
 replace a franchise if the modification or replacement would
 adversely affect to a substantial degree the dealer's sales,
 investment, or obligations to provide service to the public,
 unless:
 (1)  the manufacturer, distributor, or representative
 provides written notice by registered or certified mail to each
 affected dealer and the department [board] of the modification or
 replacement; and
 (2)  if a protest is filed under this section, the board
 approves the modification or replacement.
 SECTION 16.  Subsection (c), Section 2301.476, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (c)  Except as provided by this section, a manufacturer or
 distributor may not directly or indirectly:
 (1)  own an interest in a franchised or nonfranchised
 dealer or dealership;
 (2)  operate or control a franchised or nonfranchised
 dealer or dealership; or
 (3)  act in the capacity of a franchised or
 nonfranchised dealer.
 SECTION 17.  Subdivision (2), Section 2301.601, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (2)  "Owner" means a person who is entitled to enforce a
 manufacturer's warranty with respect to a motor vehicle, and who:
 (A)  purchased the [a] motor vehicle at retail
 from a license holder [and is entitled to enforce a manufacturer's
 warranty with respect to the vehicle];
 (B)  is a lessor or lessee, other than a
 sublessee, who purchased or leased the vehicle from a license
 holder; [or]
 (C)  is a resident of this state and has
 registered the vehicle in this state;
 (D)  purchased or leased the vehicle at retail and
 is an active duty member of the United States armed forces stationed
 in this state at the time a proceeding is commenced under this
 subchapter; or
 (E)  is:
 (i)  the transferee or assignee of a person
 described by Paragraphs (A)-(D); [Paragraph (A) or (B),]
 (ii)  a resident of this state;[,] and
 (iii)  the person who registered the vehicle
 in this state [entitled to enforce the manufacturer's warranty].
 SECTION 18.  Subsections (a) and (c), Section 2301.611,
 Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
 (a)  The department [board] shall publish an annual report on
 the motor vehicles ordered repurchased or replaced under this
 subchapter.
 (c)  The department [board] shall make the report available
 to the public and may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of
 the report.
 SECTION 19.  Subsection (a), Section 2301.613, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a)  The department [board] shall prepare, publish, and
 distribute information concerning an owner's rights under this
 subchapter. The retail seller of a new motor vehicle shall
 conspicuously post a copy of the information in the area where its
 customers usually pay for repairs.
 SECTION 20.  Section 2301.711, Occupations Code, is amended
 and to read as follows:
 Sec. 2301.711.  ORDERS AND DECISIONS. [(a)]  An order or
 decision of the board must:
 (1)  include a separate finding of fact with respect to
 each specific issue the board is required by law to consider in
 reaching a decision;
 (2)  set forth additional findings of fact and
 conclusions of law on which the order or decision is based; [and]
 (3)  give the reasons for the particular actions taken;
 (4)  [.
 [(b)     Except as provided by Subchapter M, the order or
 decision must:
 [(1)]  be signed by the presiding officer or assistant
 presiding officer for the board;
 (5) [(2)]  be attested to by the director; and
 (6) [(3)]  have the seal affixed to it.
 SECTION 21.  Subsection (c), Section 2301.803, Occupations
 Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (c)  A person affected by a statutory stay imposed by this
 chapter may request a hearing [initiate a proceeding before the
 board] to modify, vacate, or clarify the extent and application of
 the statutory stay.
 SECTION 22.  Section 503.011, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 503.011.  PRORATING FEES.  If the board [commission]
 prescribes the term of a general distinguishing number, license, or
 license plate under this chapter for a period other than one year,
 the board [commission] shall prorate the applicable annual fee
 required under this chapter as necessary to reflect the term of the
 number, license, or license plate.
 SECTION 23.  Subsection (a), Section 503.027,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (a)  If a dealer [person] consigns for sale more than five
 vehicles in a calendar year from a location other than the location
 for which the dealer [person] holds a [wholesale motor vehicle
 auction general distinguishing number or a dealer] general
 distinguishing number, the dealer must also hold [location to which
 the person consigns the vehicles must have] a general
 distinguishing number for the consignment [that] location unless
 the consignment location is a wholesale motor vehicle auction.
 SECTION 24.  Subsection (g), Section 503.033,
 Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
 (g)  This section does not apply to a person licensed as a
 franchised motor vehicle dealer by the department [department's
 Motor Vehicle Board].
 SECTION 25.  Section 503.039, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 503.039.  PUBLIC MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTIONS. (a)  A motor
 vehicle may not be the subject of a subsequent sale at a public [an]
 auction by a holder of a dealer's general distinguishing number
 unless[:
 [(1)]  equitable or legal title has passed [passes] to
 the selling dealer [holder of a dealer's general distinguishing
 number] before the [a] transfer of title to the subsequent buyer.
 (b)  The[; and
 [(2)  the] holder of a dealer's general distinguishing
 number who sells a motor vehicle at a public auction must transfer
 [transfers] the certificate of title for that vehicle to the buyer
 before the 21st day after the date of the sale.
 SECTION 26.  Section 1001.001, Transportation Code, is
 amended by adding Subdivision (3) to read as follows:
 (3)  "Executive director" means the executive director
 of the department.
 SECTION 27.  Section 1001.004, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 1001.004.  DIVISIONS.  The executive director [board]
 shall organize the department into divisions to accomplish the
 department's functions and the duties assigned to the department
 [it, including divisions for:
 [(1)  administration;
 [(2)  motor carriers;
 [(3)  motor vehicle board; and
 [(4)  vehicle titles and registration].
 SECTION 28.  Subchapter A, Chapter 1001, Transportation
 Code, is amended by adding Sections 1001.007, 1001.008, 1001.009,
 1001.010, and 1001.011 to read as follows:
 Sec. 1001.007.  PROTECTION AND USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 AND PUBLICATIONS. (a)  The department may:
 (1)  apply for, register, secure, hold, and protect
 under the laws of the United States, any state, or any nation a
 patent, copyright, mark, or other evidence of protection or
 exclusivity issued in or for an idea, publication, or other
 original innovation fixed in a tangible medium, including:
 (A)  a literary work;
 (B)  a logo;
 (C)  a service mark;
 (D)  a study;
 (E)  a map or planning document;
 (F)  a graphic design;
 (G)  a manual;
 (H)  automated systems software;
 (I)  an audiovisual work; or
 (J)  a sound recording;
 (2)  enter into an exclusive or nonexclusive license
 agreement with a third party for the receipt of a fee, royalty, or
 other thing of monetary or nonmonetary value for the benefit of the
 department;
 (3)  waive or reduce the amount of a fee, royalty, or
 other thing of monetary or nonmonetary value to be assessed if the
 department determines that the waiver will:
 (A)  further the goals and missions of the
 department; and
 (B)  result in a net benefit to the state; and
 (4)  adopt and enforce rules necessary to implement
 this section.
 (b)  Money collected by the department under this section
 shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund for use
 by the department in supporting the department's operations and the
 administration of the department's functions.
 Sec. 1001.008.  DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. (a)  Except as
 provided by Subsection (b), for the purpose of carrying out its
 functions and duties, the board may accept a donation or
 contribution in any form, including real or personal property,
 money, materials, or services.
 (b)  The board may not accept a donation or contribution from
 an entity or association of entities that it regulates.
 (c)  The board by rule may delegate acceptance of donations
 or contributions under $500, or not otherwise required to be
 acknowledged in an open meeting, to the executive director.
 Sec. 1001.009.  COLLECTION OF FEES FOR DEPARTMENT GOODS AND
 SERVICES. (a)  The board may adopt rules regarding the method of
 collection of a fee for any goods sold or services provided by the
 department or for the administration of any department program.
 (b)  Goods sold and services provided under Subsection (a)
 include department publications and the issuance of licenses,
 permits, and registrations.
 (c)  The rules adopted under Subsection (a) may:
 (1)  authorize the use of electronic funds transfer or
 a valid debit or credit card issued by a financial institution
 chartered by a state, the United States, or a nationally recognized
 credit organization approved by the department; and
 (2)  require the payment of a discount or service
 charge for a credit card payment in addition to the fee.
 (d)  Revenue generated from the collection of discount or
 service charges under Subsection (c) shall be deposited to the
 credit of the state highway fund for use by the department in
 supporting the department's operations and the administration of
 the department's functions.
 Sec. 1001.010.  AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. (a)  The department
 may enter into an interlocal contract with one or more local
 governments in accordance with Chapter 791, Government Code.
 (b)  The board by rule shall adopt policies and procedures
 consistent with applicable state procurement practices for
 soliciting and awarding a contract under this section.
 Sec. 1001.011.  EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS AND TRAINING. The
 department may conduct public service educational campaigns
 related to its functions.
 SECTION 29.  Subchapter B, Chapter 1001, Transportation
 Code, is amended by adding Section 1001.0221 to read as follows:
 Sec. 1001.0221.  BOARD; DUTIES. (a)  The board shall
 oversee and coordinate the development of the department and shall
 ensure that all components of the motor vehicle industry function
 as a system.
 (b)  The board shall carry out its policy-making functions in
 a manner that protects the interests of the public and industry,
 maintains a safe and sound motor vehicle industry, and increases
 the economic prosperity of the state.
 SECTION 30.  Section 1001.023, Transportation Code, is
 amended to read as follows:
 Sec. 1001.023.  CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR; DUTIES. (a)  The
 governor shall appoint one of the board's members chair of the
 board.  The chair serves at the pleasure of the governor. The board
 shall elect one of its members vice chair of the board.  The [A
 chair or] vice chair serves at the pleasure of the board.
 (b)  The chair shall:
 (1)  preside over board meetings, make rulings on
 motions and points of order, and determine the order of business;
 (2)  represent the department in dealing with the
 governor;
 (3)  report to the governor on the state of affairs of
 the department at least quarterly;
 (4)  report to the board the governor's suggestions for
 department operations;
 (5)  report to the governor on efforts, including
 legislative requirements, to maximize the efficiency of department
 operations through the use of private enterprise;
 (6)  periodically review the department's
 organizational structure and submit recommendations for structural
 changes to the governor, the board, and the Legislative Budget
 Board;
 (7)  designate one or more employees of the department
 as a civil rights division of the department and receive regular
 reports from the division on the department's efforts to comply
 with civil rights legislation and administrative rules;
 (8)  create subcommittees, appoint board members to
 subcommittees, and receive the reports of subcommittees to the
 board as a whole;
 (9)  appoint a member of the board to act in the
 [chair's] absence of the chair and vice chair; and
 (10)  serve as the departmental liaison with the
 governor and the Office of State-Federal Relations to maximize
 federal funding for transportation.
 SECTION 31.  Section 1001.031, Transportation Code, is
 amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and
 (f) to read as follows:
 (a)  The board may [shall] establish [separate] advisory
 committees [for the motor carrier, motor vehicles, and vehicle
 titles and registration divisions] to make recommendations to the
 board or the executive director [on the operation of the applicable
 division].  A committee has the purposes, powers, and duties,
 including the manner of reporting its work, prescribed by the
 board.  A committee and each committee member serves at the will of
 the board.
 (a-1)  Section 2110.002, Government Code, does not apply to
 an advisory committee established under this section.
 (f)  The meetings of an advisory committee shall be made
 accessible to the public in person or through electronic means.
 SECTION 32.  Subchapter C, Chapter 1001, Transportation
 Code, is amended by adding Section 1001.0411 to read as follows:
 Sec. 1001.0411.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; DUTIES. (a)  The board
 shall appoint an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the
 board.  The executive director shall perform all duties assigned by
 the board.
 (b)  The executive director may delegate duties or
 responsibilities as the executive director considers appropriate,
 provided the delegation does not conflict with applicable law or a
 resolution of the board.
 SECTION 33.  Chapter 1001, Transportation Code, is amended
 by adding Subchapter D to read as follows:
 SUBCHAPTER D.  ELECTRONIC ISSUANCE OF LICENSES
 Sec. 1001.101.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
 (1)  "Digital signature" means an electronic
 identifier intended by the person using it to have the same force
 and effect as the use of a manual signature.
 (2)  "License" includes:
 (A)  a motor carrier registration issued under
 Chapter 643;
 (B)  a motor vehicle dealer, salvage dealer,
 manufacturer, distributor, representative, converter, or agent
 license issued by the department;
 (C)  specially designated or specialized license
 plates issued under Chapter 504; and
 (D)  an apportioned registration issued according
 to the International Registration Plan under Section 502.054.
 Sec. 1001.102.  APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.
 The board by rule may provide for the filing of a license
 application and the issuance of a license by electronic means.
 Sec. 1001.103.  DIGITAL SIGNATURE. (a)  A license
 application received by the department is considered signed if a
 digital signature is transmitted with the application and intended
 by the applicant to authenticate the license in accordance with
 Subsection (b).
 (b)  The department may only accept a digital signature used
 to authenticate a license application under procedures that:
 (1)  comply with any applicable rules of another state
 agency having jurisdiction over department use or acceptance of a
 digital signature; and
 (2)  provide for consideration of factors that may
 affect a digital signature's reliability, including whether a
 digital signature is:
 (A)  unique to the person using it;
 (B)  capable of independent verification;
 (C)  under the sole control of the person using
 it; and
 (D)  transmitted in a manner that makes it
 infeasible to change the data in the communication or digital
 signature without invalidating the digital signature.
 SECTION 34.  Chapter 1003, Transportation Code, is amended
 by adding Section 1003.005 to read as follows:
 Sec. 1003.005.  DELEGATION OF POWER. (a)  The board by rule
 may delegate any power relating to a contested case hearing, other
 than the power to issue a final order, to:
 (1)  one or more of the board's members;
 (2)  the executive director;
 (3)  the director of a division of the department; or
 (4)  one or more of the department's employees.
 (b)  The board by rule may delegate the authority to issue a
 final order in a contested case hearing to:
 (1)  one or more of the board's members;
 (2)  the executive director; or
 (3)  the director of a division within the department
 designated by the board or the executive director to carry out the
 requirements of this chapter.
 (c)  The board by rule may delegate any power relating to a
 complaint investigation to any person employed by the department.
 SECTION 35.  Subsection (b), Section 264.502, Family Code,
 is amended to read as follows:
 (b)  The members of the committee who serve under Subsections
 (a)(1) through (3) shall select the following additional committee
 members:
 (1)  a criminal prosecutor involved in prosecuting
 crimes against children;
 (2)  a sheriff;
 (3)  a justice of the peace;
 (4)  a medical examiner;
 (5)  a police chief;
 (6)  a pediatrician experienced in diagnosing and
 treating child abuse and neglect;
 (7)  a child educator;
 (8)  a child mental health provider;
 (9)  a public health professional;
 (10)  a child protective services specialist;
 (11)  a sudden infant death syndrome family service
 provider;
 (12)  a neonatologist;
 (13)  a child advocate;
 (14)  a chief juvenile probation officer;
 (15)  a child abuse prevention specialist;
 (16)  a representative of the Department of Public
 Safety; and
 (17)  a representative of the Texas Department of
 Transportation [Motor Vehicles].
 SECTION 36.  Section 2110.002, Government Code, is amended
 by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
 (c)  This section does not apply to an advisory committee
 established by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
 SECTION 37.  (a)  The following provisions are repealed:
 (1)  Section 2054.270, Government Code;
 (2)  Sections 2301.105, 2301.106, and 2301.206,
 Occupations Code; and
 (3)  Subsection (c), Section 503.033, Subsections (c)
 and (d), Section 1001.031, and Section 1004.003, Transportation
 Code.
 (b)  Subsection (c), Section 6.03, Chapter 933 (H.B. 3097),
 Acts of the 81st Legislature, Regular Session, 2009, is repealed.
 SECTION 38.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
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