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HB1672

Regular Session

Relating to the appeal of certain actions by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles related to motor carriers.

Critical
Low Cost
Effective:2025-05-24
HB1672
Relating to the appeal of certain actions by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles related to motor carriers.
Critical Urgency
Passed with Opposition
House Vote146 - 1
YEA
99% in favor147 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
1
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-05-24
Enforcing Agencies
Texas Department of Motor VehiclesTexas Department of Public Safety
Primary Author: Rep. Trent Ashby
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: May 24, 2025 (Immediate).
  • Compliance Deadline: Immediate. The TxDMV currently possesses the statutory authority to issue immediate suspensions.
  • Agency Rulemaking: TxDMV is required to adopt rules governing the specific procedures for appeals. Until these rules are published, the industry is in a "regulatory gray zone" where the authority to suspend exists, but the specific administrative forms for appeals may not yet be standardized.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Verify Contact Data: Log into the TxDMV eLINC system today and confirm your physical and mailing addresses are accurate.
  • Update Internal Routing: Issue a directive to administrative staff that all mail from TxDMV or DPS is "Priority One" and must be scanned to the General Counsel/Safety Director within 2 hours of receipt.
  • Review Insurance: Confirm with your broker whether your commercial auto liability policy contains exclusions for operating while registration is suspended.
  • Pre-Flight Legal: Identify outside counsel with specific experience in Texas Administrative Procedure Act (APA) appeals to keep on standby.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Master Service Agreements (MSAs): Review "Covenant to Maintain Permits" clauses. An immediate suspension puts you in technical breach of contract instantly.
  • Notification Clauses: Identify contracts requiring notification of regulatory adverse action. You likely have 24-48 hours to notify clients of a suspension; failure to do so creates liability beyond the regulatory penalty.

Hiring/Training

  • Mailroom Protocol: Establish a strict Chain of Custody for TxDMV and DPS correspondence. The 26-day appeal clock begins on the date of notice issuance, not the date of receipt.
  • Designated Responder: Appoint a specific officer authorized to engage legal counsel immediately upon receipt of a suspension notice.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Audit-Readiness: Shift from "preparing for audits" to "perpetual readiness." To win a post-suspension appeal, you must prove compliance immediately. Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) and Hours of Service (HOS) records must be current at all times.
  • Address Verification: Verify your mailing address with the TxDMV Motor Carrier Division immediately. A notice sent to an old address will result in a finalized revocation before you are aware of the action.

Fees & Costs

  • Legal Defense: Budget for immediate legal retainer fees if an appeal is necessary; these are no longer administrative meetings but formal legal appeals.
  • Operational Loss: The primary cost driver is not a state fee, but the potential for total revenue loss during the suspension period while the appeal is pending.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Stay of Enforcement: The statute does not explicitly state that filing an appeal "stays" (pauses) the suspension. Businesses must operate under the assumption that the suspension remains active—and vehicles must remain parked—until a final decision is rendered, unless an emergency injunction is secured.
  • Standard of Review: The law requires the carrier to be "found compliant" to overturn the action but does not define the evidentiary standard or the specific official authorized to make that finding prior to final rulemaking.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Dec 18, 2024
Passed House
Apr 29, 2025
Passed Senate
May 9, 2025
Signed
May 24, 2025
TopicsTransportationTransportation--miscellaneousVehicles & TrafficVehicles & Traffic--rules of RoadMotor Vehicles, Texas Department of
03

House Authors

Rep. Trent AshbyRepublican · Primary Author
Coauthors (1)

Senate Sponsors

Sen. Nathan JohnsonDemocrat · Primary Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Rep. Trent Ashby

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB1672

Q

What does Texas HB1672 do?

HB1672 fundamentally alters Texas motor carrier regulation by granting the TxDMV authority to suspend, revoke, or probate registration without a prior hearing upon request by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This shifts the industry from a "due process first" model to an "enforcement first" model, requiring all Chapter 643 permit holders to be prepared for immediate operational shutdowns and a strict, post-action appeal process. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: May 24, 2025 (Immediate).

Q

Who authored HB1672?

HB1672 was authored by Texas Representative Trent Ashby during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB1672 signed into law?

HB1672 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 24, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB1672?

HB1672 is enforced by Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and Texas Department of Public Safety.

Q

How urgent is compliance with HB1672?

The compliance urgency for HB1672 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB1672?

The cost impact of HB1672 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB1672 address?

HB1672 addresses topics including transportation, transportation--miscellaneous, vehicles & traffic, vehicles & traffic--rules of road and motor vehicles, texas department of.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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