| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Negative |
Relating to authorizing an optional county fee on vehicle registration in certain counties to be used for transportation projects.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Current law allows a county that borders Mexico and has a population of 1.5 million that is coterminous with a regional mobility authority to impose an additional $10 vehicle registration fee if so ordered by the county commissioners court.
HB 1698 would allow certain other counties that are coterminous regional mobility authorities, but not part of the current bracket, to approve via a referendum election the same $10 vehicle registration fee.
The purpose of the fee increase would be to fund long-term transportation projects in the county.
Texas Action opposes HB 1698 for violating the principles of limited government and individual liberty. Texas motorists are already nickel-and-dimed as is when it comes to fees, and should not be subject to the possibility of higher fees. The state should ensure that fees are applied equally and in a broad based manner across all counties in the state, so as to remain fair and equal to all Texans.