The bill, S.B. No. 756, aims to repeal certain offenses related to toll violations in Texas. Key amendments include the removal of legal language that classified nonpayment of tolls as an offense, specifically in Sections 228.0547, 284.070, and 370.177. The bill also introduces new provisions that allow individuals to establish defenses against toll violations by presenting evidence that their vehicle was stolen prior to the failure to pay the toll, provided that the theft was reported to law enforcement in a timely manner. Additionally, the bill modifies the enforcement mechanisms for toll violations, allowing for the imposition of fines and the placement of immobilization devices on vehicles without the previous classification of offenses.

Furthermore, the bill repeals multiple sections of the Transportation Code that previously outlined penalties and offenses related to toll violations, streamlining the process for toll collection and enforcement. The changes will only apply to tolls incurred on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that any tolls incurred before this date will still be governed by the existing laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 228.0547, Transportation Code 284.070, Transportation Code 284.204, Transportation Code 284.206, Transportation Code 284.209, Transportation Code 370.177, Transportation Code 372.110 (Transportation Code 228, Transportation Code 284, Transportation Code 372, Transportation Code 370)