TITLE: Relating to the recovery of property from certain vehicles stored at a vehicle storage facility or governmental vehicle storage facility.

SUMMARY: Relating to the recovery of property from certain vehicles stored at a vehicle storage facility or governmental vehicle storage facility.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the recovery of property from certain vehicles stored at a vehicle storage facility or governmental vehicle storage facility. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 2303, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 2303.162 to read as follows: Sec. 2303.162. RECOVERY OF PROPERTY FROM CERTAIN STORED VEHICLES. (a) In this section: (1) "Governmental vehicle storage facility" means a garage, parking lot, or other facility that is: (A) owned by a governmental entity; and (B) used to store or park at least 10 vehicles each year. (2) "Motor carrier" has the meaning assigned by Section 643.001, Transportation Code. (b) The operator of a vehicle storage facility or governmental vehicle storage facility shall allow the owner of property that is left in a vehicle stored at the facility to recover the property if: (1) at the time the vehicle was towed to the facility for storage: (A) the vehicle was operated by a motor carrier; and (B) the property was transported under an agreement between the property owner and the motor carrier; and (2) the property owner demonstrates ownership of the property. (c) The commission by rule shall determine the documents necessary to establish a person's ownership of property under this section. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.