Texas House Bill HB3017

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to toll collections and the imposition of administrative fees and civil penalties for past-due tolls; eliminating certain criminal offenses.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws by establishing a structured process for toll invoicing, which includes requirements for the content of invoices and the timelines for payment. A notable feature is the introduction of an administrative fee for late payments not to exceed $6. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if payment is not received within 30 days, a civil penalty of $25 could be assessed, promoting prompt payment and potentially increasing compliance among vehicle owners. These changes could foster a more efficient flow of toll revenue to state and local authorities.

Summary

HB3017 proposes significant changes to toll collection practices in Texas by allowing for alternative payment options when drivers do not pay tolls at the time of use. The bill mandates that toll project entities send invoices to vehicle owners who fail to pay, using various technologies like video recordings and electronic data for identification. This shift aims to streamline the billing process and enhance revenue collection while reducing the reliance on immediate cash payments at toll plazas.

Contention

While HB3017 aims to modernize toll collection, it may also raise concerns over the increased regulation and potential financial burden on drivers. Critics might argue that infrastructure to support such automated systems can be costly, and there is a risk that the introduction of administrative fees and civil penalties could disproportionately affect low-income drivers. Additionally, the bill repeals certain criminal offenses relating to past-due tolls, which may be seen as leniency towards non-compliant vehicle owners, raising questions about accountability and fairness in enforcement.