H.B. No. 1333 introduces a new subchapter to the Transportation Code that focuses on toll collection and enforcement by toll project entities in Texas. The bill establishes definitions and requirements for toll payment, including provisions for invoicing registered vehicle owners. It allows toll project entities to use automated enforcement technology for identifying vehicle owners and mandates the option for electronic invoicing. The legislation also outlines the process for assessing administrative fees for late payments and imposes civil penalties for individuals who fail to pay multiple invoices. Additionally, it provides exceptions to toll liability for leased, transferred, or stolen vehicles and emphasizes the confidentiality of personal data related to toll collection.

The bill amends various sections of the Transportation Code to improve the management and enforcement of toll collection. It permits electronic toll collection customers to share their account information with other toll project entities while ensuring confidentiality and clarifies that contracts between toll project entities must prevent duplicate invoices for the same transaction. The bill also expands the powers of toll authorities, allowing them to operate with the same authority as the department regarding toll collection. Significant deletions include the removal of outdated provisions related to the responsibilities of toll project entities and the fine structure for toll collection, streamlining the legal framework. The changes will apply only to tolls incurred after the bill's effective date, which is immediate upon receiving a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 228.059, Transportation Code 284.2031, Transportation Code 366.038, Transportation Code 372.105 (Transportation Code 366, Transportation Code 284, Transportation Code 372, Transportation Code 228)