Bill > H0883

This bill modifies procedures related to vehicle registration and license plates when a lienholder (a person or entity to whom a debt is owed, such as a lender) has a claim on a vehicle. Specifically, it requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to withhold the renewal or replacement of a vehicle's registration, revalidation sticker, or license plate if the owner's name appears on a list provided by a lienor, indicating the owner failed to surrender a vehicle as required. The bill clarifies that a lienor must provide sworn notice to surrender the vehicle, and it outlines specific conditions under which a person can dispute their inclusion on this list, including the ability to file a civil lawsuit. If a court finds good cause for the failure to surrender the vehicle, the person's name will be removed from the list, and they may be awarded attorney fees and costs; conversely, if the lienor successfully defends their claim, they may also be awarded attorney fees and costs. The bill also specifies that the DHSMV cannot withhold an initial vehicle registration solely based on the owner being on this list.