The bill, S.B. No. 756, aims to repeal certain offenses related to toll violations in Texas. Key amendments include changing the heading of Section 228.0547 to remove references to offenses and allowing the Texas Department of Transportation to contract for the collection of unpaid tolls without referring cases to court. Additionally, the bill introduces an exemption for authorized emergency vehicles from toll payment requirements and modifies the hearing procedures for toll violations, including the establishment of defenses for individuals who can prove their vehicle was stolen prior to the toll violation.

Furthermore, the bill repeals multiple sections of the Transportation Code that previously defined toll-related offenses and penalties, effectively decriminalizing nonpayment of tolls. It also clarifies that the changes apply only to tolls incurred on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. The overall intent of the legislation is to streamline toll collection processes and reduce the punitive measures associated with toll violations.

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 284, Transportation Code 372, Transportation Code 370, Transportation Code 228)