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Bill

HB 4966

Relating to the denial of access to the database of dealer-issued license plates maintained by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Canales

HB 4966 restricts public access to Texas dealer license plate database, citing security and privacy concerns over vehicle registration information.

Placed on General State Calendar
#licenseplates(s9823) #motorvehicles #texasdepartmentof(v0812) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #vehicleinspections(s0352) #vehicles&traffic--vehicleregistration(i0845)
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Bill Summary · HB 4966

Legislative bill overview

HB 4966 restricts public access to Texas's database of dealer-issued license plates maintained by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The bill would limit who can access this database and under what circumstances, creating new privacy or security protections around this vehicle registration information.

Why is this important

Dealer-issued temporary license plates are critical for vehicle sales and transfers, but unauthorized access to this database could enable vehicle theft, fraud, or identity theft. The bill addresses concerns about how broadly this sensitive information is currently accessible to the public or private parties, balancing transparency against security risks in vehicle transactions.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement access: Whether police, prosecutors, and other government agencies would retain adequate access for investigations and public safety purposes
  • Dealer and private sector impact: How the restrictions affect legitimate business needs of car dealerships, lenders, and insurance companies who may rely on this data
  • Privacy vs. transparency trade-off: Whether limiting database access properly protects citizens without creating unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to information that some argue should remain available

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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