Relating to the notice required to remove a vehicle with an expired registration or inspection certificate from certain private property.
The enactment of HB356 will lead to a more structured approach regarding the towing of vehicles with expired registrations or inspections. The bill stipulates that notice must include specific statements about the lack of a valid registration and inspection certificate, which will ensure that vehicle owners are clearly informed about the reasons for towing. This change aims to prevent potential disputes between property owners and vehicle owners and aligns with broader efforts to standardize vehicle removal practices across Texas.
House Bill 356 pertains to the regulations regarding the notice required before removing vehicles with expired registration or inspection certificates from private property. The bill amends Section 2308.253 of the Occupations Code, establishing that vehicle owners or operators must be provided with at least 10 days' written notice if their vehicle is to be towed from a parking facility. This notice can be delivered in several ways, including in person or through certified mail, or it can be affixed to the vehicle itself in a visible manner.
The sentiment around HB356 appears to be generally supportive, as the amendment focuses on providing appropriate notice to vehicle owners and protecting their rights before legal actions, such as towing, are taken. Stakeholders in the community, including property owners and vehicle advocacy groups, have expressed that the legislation strikes a necessary balance between property management rights and consumer protection.
One point of contention that was raised during discussions about the bill relates to the adequacy of the notice period given to vehicle owners. While some advocates argue that the 10-day notice is sufficient to allow owners to rectify registration issues, others maintain that this period might not be enough for all individuals, particularly those who may not regularly access their vehicles. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the implications for property owners who deal with frequent violations, as the notice requirement could delay necessary removals.