Texas Senate Bill SB2137

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a fee associated with a required inspection of a motor vehicle for certain title transfers; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The enactment of SB2137 represents a significant change in how vehicle title transfers are processed in Texas. By enabling law enforcement agencies to charge for inspections, the bill provides a new revenue stream for local governments, potentially increasing funding for various public safety initiatives. The expectation is that this will enhance the ability of these agencies to perform their inspections more effectively and efficiently, which could lead to better oversight and reduction of vehicle-related fraud.

Summary

SB2137 introduces a new fee structure related to the inspection of motor vehicles for certain title transfers in the state of Texas. Specifically, it allows law enforcement agencies at the county and municipal levels to charge a fee of $40 for inspections that are mandatory for confirming the identity of a vehicle or its parts as part of the title transfer process. This fee is intended to help cover the costs associated with conducting these inspections, thereby supporting the budget of the general funds for local jurisdictions. The bill aims to streamline the process of title transfers while ensuring that law enforcement can adequately support their inspection duties.

Contention

While the bill is designed to provide benefits to both law enforcement agencies and the public by ensuring thorough inspections, there may be contention regarding the nature of the fees imposed. Concerns could arise about the financial burden on citizens seeking title transfers, especially in areas where vehicle ownership is prevalent among lower-income households. Additionally, there may be discussions around the administrative aspects of collecting these fees and whether the charges are equitable across different jurisdictions. Opponents could argue about the bill leading to inconsistencies in how fees are applied and perceived across counties.