Bill Caption

Relating to county regulation of the removal and storage of unlawfully stopped motor vehicles; authorizing counties to require an occupational license or permit and impose a fee for the license or permit.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This legislation authorizes the Harris County commissioners to provide for the licensing or permitting of a person to remove of store a disabled or unlawfully stopped vehicle in an incorporated area of the county, if an inter-local agreement is reached with the incorporated areas to do so. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Harris County already has the authority to make arrangements for the towing and storage of disabled or unlawfully stopped vehicles in unincorporated portions of the county. This legislation would expand the county's authority to do the same in incorporated areas if an inter-local agreement is reached. The conditions under which an unlawfully stopped or disabled vehicle would be able to be removed from the highway strike an appropriate balance between the property rights of the vehicle owner and the legitimate interest of county and local governments to act on behalf of the people to keep the highways clear of hazards and impediments.

This legislation does not intersect with our liberty principles, therefore we remain neutral.