Texas House Bill HB1795

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the deposit of certain fees for permits for oversize or overweight vehicles to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.

Impact

The introduction of HB1795 is expected to create a more reliable funding stream for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by securing a portion of the income generated from new permit fees. This change is essential for the maintenance and improvement of services related to motor vehicle operations, including permitting for larger trucks that may have different regulatory requirements. Ensuring a dedicated source of revenue is crucial for the continued enforcement and administration of vehicular regulations at the state level.

Summary

House Bill 1795 is focused on amending the Transportation Code to ensure that a specified percentage of fees collected for permits related to oversize or overweight vehicles is deposited into the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund. The bill specifically addresses provisions enacted after January 1, 2017, and mandates that 10 percent of the permit fee collected shall be directed to this fund. The remaining funds will be proportionally adjusted as needed and distributed according to existing regulations.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad implications for oversight and funding within the transportation sector, it may also spark discussions regarding the adequacy of the adjusted fee structure, especially from stakeholders affected by the financial burdens of permit fees. Industry representatives may raise concerns about the impact of these fees on small businesses engaged in transportation, particularly if the adjustments lead to significantly higher costs for securing necessary permits. The balance between funding state operations and managing the economic feasibility for service providers will likely be a point of debate.