Texas House Bill HB2323

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to registration of a motor vehicle alleged to have been involved in a violation detected by a photographic traffic signal enforcement system.

Impact

The enactment of HB2323 is expected to have significant implications for vehicle registration processes in Texas. By preventing the refusal of registration based on unpaid civil penalties from traffic violations captured by camera systems, the bill acknowledges the need for individuals to maintain vehicle registration for mobility and transportation, despite financial obligations. This approach may facilitate greater compliance among vehicle owners by providing them an opportunity to register their vehicles regardless of past penalties, potentially reducing the number of unregistered vehicles on the road.

Summary

House Bill 2323 addresses the registration process for motor vehicles that are alleged to have been involved in violations detected by photographic traffic signal enforcement systems. The bill amends the Transportation Code, specifically Section 707.017, to clarify that a county assessor-collector or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles cannot refuse to register a vehicle solely based on the owner being delinquent in the payment of a civil penalty related to such violations. This change aims to ensure that individuals are not unduly penalized by the inability to register their vehicles due to previous violations enforced through photographic means.

Contention

While the bill promotes accessibility in vehicle registration, there may be concerns from advocacy groups or legislators who feel that this legislation could enable individuals to evade consequences of traffic violations. Critics may argue that allowing registration despite unpaid penalties undermines the enforcement of traffic laws and may diminish the intended deterrence effect of such penalties. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding how the implementation of this bill will affect local and state revenue, as the collection of civil penalties is an important component of governmental funding for traffic safety initiatives.