Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB876

Caption

Relating to the county in which a person may apply for the registration of and title for a motor vehicle.

Impact

The passage of SB876 is expected to streamline the vehicle registration process, particularly in instances where local offices may face shutdowns. By allowing applications to be processed in neighboring counties, the bill seeks to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles for vehicle owners and enhance access to essential services. This could lead to improved compliance with state regisitration requirements and alleviate frustrations for residents in areas with limited access to local government services. The bill also makes provisions for how fees and taxes collected during this process are allocated back to the appropriate counties.

Summary

SB876 is a legislative act that revises the procedures regarding the registration and titling of motor vehicles within the state of Texas. The bill specifically addresses the counties in which individuals may apply for registration and title, stipulating that applications can now be made not only in the owner’s county of residence or the county where the vehicle is purchased, but also in any county that is willing to accept the application. This change is particularly aimed at providing more flexibility for vehicle owners when their local assessor-collector offices are closed for extended periods.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB876 appears to be largely positive among lawmakers, particularly those representing areas where local offices might not always be reliable or available. Proponents argue that the bill enhances mobility and provides necessary support for vehicle owners, particularly during times of crisis or closure. However, there are also concerns voiced about the potential for confusion among residents regarding where to apply for registration and how fees are handled, indicating a nuanced public reaction.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the implications for counties that may feel they are losing control or resources regarding vehicle registrations. Local governments have raised concerns that the flexibility offered to residents may lead to a disparity in service levels across counties, with some counties potentially overburdened by unexpectedly high demand. As such, while the bill aims to provide broad benefits, its practical impacts on local governance and administrative efficiency remain topics for ongoing discussion.

Companion Bills

TX HB3113

Same As Relating to the county in which a person may apply for the registration of and title for a motor vehicle.

Similar Bills

TX HB3410

Relating to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and county tax assessor-collector vehicle titling and registration duties and fees associated with those duties.

TX SB1621

Relating to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and county tax assessor-collector vehicle titling and registration duties and fees associated with those duties.

TX HB3113

Relating to the county in which a person may apply for the registration of and title for a motor vehicle.

TX HB3416

Relating to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and county tax assessor-collector vehicle titling and registration duties and fees associated with those duties.

TX HB3777

Relating to fees collected for processing and handling vehicle registration applications.

CA AB2425

Property taxation: property records: transmission by mail or electronic format.

TX SB1386

Relating to the refusal to register motor vehicles by a county assessor-collector or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

CA SB1172

High-Speed Rail Authority: property acquisition: capital outlays: public contracts: county assessor’s records.