SB857 - Relating to the authorized removal of certain motor vehicles.

      S.B. No. 857         AN ACT   relating to the authorized removal of certain motor vehicles.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 545.305, Transportation   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 545.305.   AUTHORIZED REMOVAL OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES     [ UNLAWFULLY STOPPED VEHICLE ].          SECTION 2.  Section 545.305(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  A peace officer listed under Article 2A.001, Code of   Criminal Procedure, or a license and weight inspector of the   department may remove or require the operator or a person in charge   of a vehicle to move a vehicle from a highway if the vehicle:                (1)  is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or   in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic;                (2)  is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to   a private driveway;                (3)  has been reported as stolen;                (4)  is identified as having been stolen in a warrant   issued on the filing of a complaint;                (5)  is unattended and the officer has reasonable   grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer   than 48 hours;                (6)  is disabled so that normal operation is impossible   or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle is:                      (A)  incapacitated and unable to provide for the   vehicle's removal or custody; or                      (B)  not in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle;                (7)  is disabled so that normal operation is impossible   or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle does   not designate a particular towing or storage company;                (8)  is operated by a person :                       (A)   an officer arrests for an alleged offense and   the officer is required by law to take the person into custody; or                       (B)     in violation of Section 521.021, 521.457,   601.191, or 729.002; or                (9)  is, in the opinion of the officer, a hazard,   interferes with a normal function of a governmental agency, or   because of a catastrophe, emergency, or unusual circumstance is   imperiled.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.               ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                 I hereby certify that S.B. No. 857 passed the Senate on   April 3, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 7.       ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate                I hereby certify that S.B. No. 857 passed the House on   May 28, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 83, Nays 54, two   present not voting.       ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House            Approved:     ______________________________                Date       ______________________________              Governor