The bill, S.B. No. 756, aims to repeal certain offenses related to toll violations in Texas, specifically by amending and removing various sections of the Transportation Code. Key changes include the removal of language that classifies nonpayment of tolls as an offense, thereby eliminating associated penalties. For instance, the heading of Section 228.0547 is amended to remove the term "offense," and similar deletions are made throughout the bill, including the removal of penalties for operators who fail to pay tolls. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that allow individuals to present evidence that their vehicle was stolen prior to the failure to pay the toll, which serves as a defense against prosecution.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing sections, such as the introduction of exemptions for authorized emergency vehicles and the establishment of procedures for hearings related to toll violations. It repeals multiple sections that previously outlined penalties and offenses, streamlining the process for toll collection and enforcement. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to tolls incurred after that date, ensuring that any tolls incurred before the effective date will still be governed by the previous 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 284, Transportation Code 370, Transportation Code 228, Transportation Code 372)