HBA-JEK H.B. 2418 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2418
By: Noriega
Transportation
3/20/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law allows an individual who purchases a new vehicle to purchase a
registration sticker for 12, 24, or 36 months.  Software complications have
delayed the implementation of this program, but the program will likely
begin operation this summer.  However, registration for 24 or 36 months
will only be available to owners of new passenger cars or light trucks. 

Texans with a 12-month registration sticker currently receive an annual
renewal notice for each vehicle they own.  The renewals are mailed or hand
delivered to the county tax office at a cost to the state.  House Bill 2418
authorizes an owner of a passenger car or light truck to pay registration
fees for a designated period of 12, 24, or 36 months, regardless of whether
the car or truck is new. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2418 amends the Transportation Code to remove the provision that
authorizes an owner of a passenger car or light truck to pay registration
fees for a designated period of 12, 24, or 36 months only if the car or
truck has not been previously registered in any state and is of the current
or preceding model year.  The bill prohibits the Texas Department of
Transportation from requiring payment of registration fees for a period of
more than 12 months, but authorizes an owner of a vehicle to pay
registration fees for a designated period of more than 12 months. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.