Relating to fingerprinting requirements for the issuance of dealer general distinguishing numbers to certain persons.
Summary
HB 2522 amends the Texas Transportation Code to create a targeted fingerprinting rule for dealer general distinguishing numbers. The bill applies only to applicants for, or holders of, a dealer general distinguishing number for 75 or more locations. For those large multi-location dealers, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may require a complete set of fingerprints from the applicant, but only if the department also requires fingerprints from no more than one manager or other bona fide employee for each location, with that employee’s regular workplace within 100 miles of the location.
The bill also provides that one manager’s or employee’s fingerprints can satisfy the fingerprinting requirement for all dealer locations within 100 miles of that person’s workplace. In effect, the measure creates a location-based fingerprinting framework intended to streamline compliance for large dealership networks while preserving a background-check mechanism tied to local managers or employees. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 2522 narrows and clarifies fingerprinting requirements under Chapter 503 of the Transportation Code for certain large auto dealers seeking an original or renewed dealer general distinguishing number. It gives the Department of Motor Vehicles discretion to require fingerprints from the applicant, but only in conjunction with a specified fingerprinting process for managers or bona fide employees tied to each location. The bill affects large dealership groups operating 75 or more locations and modifies the administrative process for dealer licensing and renewal.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly noncontroversial and received strong bipartisan support. It passed the House by 141-3 and the Senate unanimously, suggesting general agreement that the change was a limited administrative adjustment rather than a major policy shift. No committee transcript is available, but the voting record indicates little opposition overall.
Contention
The only apparent point of contention is the balance between regulatory oversight and administrative burden for large dealer networks. Supporters likely viewed the bill as a practical way to align fingerprinting requirements with multi-location business operations, while any dissent may have reflected concern about reducing or complicating background-check requirements for dealer applicants. However, the recorded opposition was minimal, and no specific objections are documented in the available materials.
Requires background checks and fingerprinting of certain construction contractors working in school facilities; requires the contractors to run such background checks.