House Bill No. 1333 introduces significant changes to toll collection and enforcement regulations in Texas by establishing a new Subchapter B-1 under Chapter 372 of the Transportation Code. The bill mandates that all vehicle operators, excluding authorized emergency vehicles, must pay tolls when using toll facilities. It allows toll project entities to waive or reduce tolls for specific vehicles and requires the use of automated billing methods, such as video billing, to facilitate post-use payments by registered vehicle owners. Invoices sent to vehicle owners must adhere to specified requirements, including payment deadlines and potential administrative fees for late payments. The bill also imposes civil penalties of $25 for individuals who fail to pay two or more toll invoices, with certain exceptions for leased, transferred, or stolen vehicles.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Transportation Code to enhance toll collection management and enforcement. It allows for the sharing of electronic toll collection customer account information while ensuring confidentiality and modifies contract requirements between toll project entities. The legislation grants toll project entities the same powers and duties as the department regarding toll collection and enforcement, and it streamlines the legal framework by repealing several existing provisions. The updated definitions and procedures for invoicing and penalties will apply only to tolls incurred after the effective date of the Act, which will take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote from both houses 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 228, Transportation Code 284, Transportation Code 372, Transportation Code 366)