The bill, S.B. No. 1729, proposes amendments to the registration and inspection processes for vehicles in Texas, particularly focusing on the Clean Air Act fees and vehicle registration periods. It reenacts and amends Section 382.0622(a) of the Health and Safety Code to clarify the sources of Clean Air Act fees, including those designated by Section 548.510 of the Transportation Code for the clean air account. Additionally, it modifies the emissions inspection period for certain vehicles, allowing for a three-year inspection cycle if approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The bill also introduces a new vehicle registration period of 24 consecutive months for specific passenger cars and light trucks, which must be sold in Texas and not previously registered.

Furthermore, the bill amends the fee structure associated with vehicle registration. It establishes a one-time fee of $16.75 for the initial registration of qualifying passenger cars or light trucks, and a separate one-time fee of $22.25 for vehicles registered under Section 502.0026. The bill also specifies how these fees will be allocated, with portions directed to the Texas mobility fund and the clean air account. Several sections of the Transportation Code are repealed to streamline the registration process, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 502.0026, Transportation Code 502.044, Transportation Code 548.510 (Transportation Code 502, Transportation Code 548)