Bill > HB4907

This bill makes significant changes to Texas Transportation Code provisions related to toll violations, effectively decriminalizing most toll-related offenses. The bill removes criminal penalties for failing to pay tolls and instead focuses on administrative methods of collection. Key changes include eliminating criminal misdemeanor charges for toll non-payment, removing provisions that could result in criminal prosecution for vehicle lessees or subsequent owners who fail to pay tolls, and modifying enforcement mechanisms to rely on administrative penalties and civil remedies. The bill allows toll authorities to continue collecting unpaid tolls and administrative fees through contractual collection methods, and maintains a defense for vehicle owners if their vehicle was stolen at the time of the toll violation. The bill repeals multiple sections of existing law that previously criminalized toll violations and establishes that these changes will only apply to tolls incurred on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025. This approach shifts the handling of toll non-payment from a criminal justice matter to a more administrative process, potentially reducing legal complications and costs associated with prosecuting minor toll violations.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4907