TITLE: Relating to vehicle titles and registration.

SUMMARY: Relating to vehicle titles and registration.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to vehicle titles and registration. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 2303.154, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (h) to read as follows: (h) A vehicle sold in compliance with this chapter shall be titled and registered without the imposition by a county office of additional requirements not otherwise permitted by law. SECTION 2. Section 501.051, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: (d) The department shall place a hold on processing a title application for a motor vehicle if the department receives a request for a hold accompanied by evidence of a legal action regarding ownership of or a lien interest in the motor vehicle. The hold shall continue until a final, nonappealable judgment is entered in the action or the party requesting the hold requests that the hold be removed. SECTION 3. Section 501.052, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (f) to read as follows: (e) An applicant aggrieved by the determination under Subsection (d) may appeal only to the county or district court of the county of the applicant's residence. An applicant must file an appeal not later than the fifth day after receipt [the date] of the assessor-collector's determination. The judge shall try the appeal in the manner of other civil cases. All rights and immunities granted in the trial of a civil case are available to the interested parties. If the department's action is not sustained, the department shall promptly issue a title for the vehicle. (f) A person may not apply for a hearing under this section if the department's decision under Section 501.051 is related to a title for a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle, as defined by Section 501.091. SECTION 4. Section 501.053, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows: (f) A person may not obtain a title under this section for a salvage motor vehicle or a nonrepairable motor vehicle, as defined by Section 501.091. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.