Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to the authority of certain municipal employees to request the removal and storage of certain abandoned or illegally parked or operated vehicles.
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 914 would allow a designated municipal employee to have a tow truck remove and store an illegally parked vehicle in certain regulated areas or a legally parked vehicle that has been unattended for more than 48 hours and is believed to be abandoned or a vehicle for hire operating at an airport or cruise terminal that is operating in violation of ordinance. This action may take place without assistance or authorization from a peace officer.
Texas Action is opposed to HB 914 because it violates the principle of limited government, granting municipalities broad power to tow and impound vehicles. Although municipalities can regulate vehicles for hire at airports and cruise terminals, this bill grants too much authority to municipal employees and is too subjective. It is better to leave law enforcement to law enforcement officers.