The bill amends Section 501.052 of the Transportation Code to clarify the process for individuals seeking a hearing regarding the refusal, revocation, or suspension of a vehicle title. It specifies that an interested person aggrieved by such actions may apply for a hearing with the county assessor-collector, who must notify the department of the hearing date upon receiving the application. However, the bill introduces new restrictions on who may apply for a hearing, stating that individuals cannot do so if the department's decision pertains to titles for salvage or nonrepairable vehicles, or if the title is involved in pending litigation, has been awarded to another person by a court, or is being held as evidence in a criminal investigation.

Additionally, the bill establishes that if a county assessor-collector receives an application that violates these new restrictions, they are required to deny the application and are not obligated to send notice or hold a hearing. This aims to streamline the process and prevent unnecessary hearings related to specific legal circumstances surrounding vehicle titles. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 501.052 (Transportation Code 501)