Texas House Bill HB4004

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain holders of independent mobility vehicle dealer's licenses.

Impact

The bill has implications for the state’s regulatory framework regarding vehicle sales, particularly concerning independent mobility dealers. By allowing specified dealers to purchase and transfer vehicles more easily, this legislation is expected to facilitate greater market access for these businesses. The provisions also establish a mechanism for handling Manufacturer's Certificates of Origin, which are essential for perfecting vehicle titles at the point of sale, thereby aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve efficiency in vehicle transactions.

Summary

House Bill 4004 addresses the regulations surrounding independent mobility vehicle dealer licenses in Texas. Specifically, it amends Section 501.025 of the Transportation Code to clarify the requirements for the first sale of motor vehicles by certain independent dealers. The bill targets those who held both an independent mobility vehicle dealer’s license and a converter's license as of September 30, 2013, and who operate in counties with populations exceeding 200,000 that are located near Lake Palestine. This legislative change aims to streamline the sales process for these dealers, thereby enhancing their operational capabilities.

Contention

While the specifics of HB4004 do not indicate significant controversy, the criteria for eligibility—reflecting past licensing status and geographic limitations—may raise questions regarding equity and access within the vehicle sales market. Stakeholders might debate whether these stipulated conditions adequately represent the needs of all mobility vehicle dealers in Texas, especially those not fitting the outlined criteria. As such, the bill could be seen as favoring established businesses over new entrants or smaller dealers, potentially leading to calls for broader reform in dealer licensing in the future.