83R8062 AJZ-D
By: Guillen H.B. No. 77
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 77:
By: Davis of Dallas C.S.H.B. No. 77
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the verification of motor vehicle financial
responsibility information.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 601.053, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsections (d), (e), and (f)
to read as follows:
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply if the peace officer
determines through use of the verification program established
under Subchapter N that financial responsibility has been
established for the vehicle. If a peace officer has access to the
verification program, the officer may not issue a citation for a
violation of Section 601.051 unless the officer attempts to verify
through the program that financial responsibility has been
established for the vehicle and is unable to make that
verification.
(d) An operator required to provide evidence of financial
responsibility under Subsection (a) may provide the evidence of
financial responsibility in electronic format displayed on a
wireless communication device or other portable electronic device.
(e) The display of an image that includes financial
responsibility information on a wireless communication device or
other portable electronic device under Subsection (d) does not
constitute effective consent for a law enforcement officer, or any
other person, to access the contents of the wireless communication
device or other portable electronic device except to view the
financial responsibility information.
(f) A telecommunications provider, as defined by Section
51.002, Utilities Code, may not be held liable to the operator of
the motor vehicle for the failure of a wireless communication
device to display financial responsibility information under
Subsection (d).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.