Buyer identification cards and the definition of junk vehicles

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Under current law, a person may not purchase or bid on a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle salvage pool unless the person holds a valid buyer identification (BID) card issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the person displays the BID card to the salvage pool, and the person includes the BID card number on any bid submitted to the salvage pool. A motor vehicle salvage pool sells or distributes damaged motor vehicles at wholesale, generally by auction. BID cards are available only to motor vehicle dealers, wholesalers, and salvage dealers licensed in this state or another state and to their employees. BID cards must contain the full name, business and residence address, and a brief description of the card holder, as well as the card holder's buyer identification number. The motor vehicle salvage pool may not accept a bid or complete a sales transaction unless the bidder satisfies the foregoing requirements. The motor vehicle salvage pool must also establish and maintain, in compliance with standards established by DOT, a record of each motor vehicle sold. DOT may also inspect the books and records of BID card holders, at the cost of the card holder. This bill eliminates BID cards and all associated requirements and restrictions specific to the purchase of motor vehicles from a salvage pool.

Also under current law, a "junk vehicle" is defined as a vehicle that is incapable of highway operation and has no resale value except as a source of parts or scrap or that an insurance company has taken possession of or title to because the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its value. This bill changes the definition of "junk vehicle" to mean a vehicle that has no resale value except as a source of parts or scrap and that has been designated by the owner as a source of parts or scrap.

Who's behind it

3 representatives are its authors⁠. All 3 are Republicans.

3 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOT