Opinion ID: 1579863
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Primary or Exclusive Jurisdiction?

Text: Because we hold that section 3.01(a)'s current version applies here, we next decide whether that provision grants the Board primary or exclusive jurisdiction. We conclude section 3.01(a) now vests the Board with exclusive jurisdiction over Code-related issues and claims. Section 3.01(a)'s language clearly expresses the Legislature's intent for the Board to have exclusive jurisdiction over matters the Code governs. See Continental Coffee, 937 S.W.2d at 447. Specifically, this section gives the Board exclusive, original jurisdiction rather than general and original power and jurisdiction as the provision previously read. Moreover, section 3.01 no longer gives the Board unrestricted jurisdiction to regulate all aspects of the distribution, sale, and leasing of motor vehicles.... See Act of May 18, 2001, 77th Leg. R.S., ch. 155, § 5, 2001 Tex. Gen. Laws 313, 317 (amending Tex. Rev.Civ. Stat. art. 4413(36), § 3.01(a)). Instead, the current version has limiting language so the Board has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate  those aspects of the distribution, sale, and leasing of motor vehicles as governed by this Act .... Tex. Rev.Civ. Stat. art. 4413(36), § 3.01(a) (emphasis added). This language clearly and plainly evidences the Legislature's intent that it is a jurisdictional prerequisite that the Board resolve Code-based issues and claims before a party proceeds in court. Indeed, the Legislative history shows the Legislature's intent to change section 3.01(a)'s meaning: [The Bill] [a]mends Section 3.01(a) ... to provide that the Board has the exclusive, rather than general, original jurisdiction to regulate those aspects, rather than all aspects, of the distribution, sale and leasing of motor vehicles.... Senate Comm. on State Affairs, Bill Analysis, Tex. H.B. 1665, 77th Leg., R.S. (2001). Consequently, we conclude that amended section 3.01(a) grants the Board exclusive jurisdiction over claims and issues the Code governs.