Texas Lawmakers Propose Raiding Auto Theft Fund
A little-known state agency could be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by closing its doors. But you might still be paying for it.
Under the House and Senate initial budget proposals, funding is nixed for the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority, a five-person shop that lawmakers created in 1991 and awards grants to police agencies to help prevent and investigate the crimes that are its namesake.
But even though they’re planning to shutter the authority, lawmakers are not planning to stop collecting the $1 fee that Texans pay annually on their auto insurance policies to fund ...
Comments (7)
Dale Curry
Again and again, we have heard the cry, "no new taxes" from certain elected officials. Instead these very officials are all to ready to raid this effective programs to cover it's deficit. Additionally, as a Texas citizen, I will get to keep on paying in the form of higher premiums and a better chance of having my vehicle stolen. What is so sad about it is this legislature's decision to cover the "hole", not by honestly addressing the problem. If they just instituted a new fee, AND kept funding in place for the Authority, we would be out an additional $1 as opposed to the inevitable premium rate increases due to increased losses from theft.
annie03
This is so maddening that effective government for the people of the state is less imporant than political ideology which really benefits those in power and those with money. These politicans who would cut effective government programs so that the more affluent don't have to pay higher taxes don't work for the average Texan but rathe for their constituents are those who can afford higher insurance premiums and who are so well off that the loss of an auto is like losing a pair of flip flops. For the rest of us Texans, the loss of a vehicle would be devasting.
Ron Chapman via Texas Tribune on Facebook
And this is what is known as "not a tax" in Rick Perry's Texas...
Dave Rausch via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Not a NEW tax.
Beverly Ann Lynn via Texas Tribune on Facebook
LOL @ both Ron and Dave
Lenny Gwynne via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If carried out, wouldn't this constitute 'grand theft auto fund'? Just say NOOOOO!
Mark Wester
This is something that Texans need to be aware of and really concerned about. The ATBPA receives ALL its funding through the minor $1 fee on our insurance policy per vehicle. With this money, it funds Task Forces all across the state, enabling departments large and small to hire additional officers and buy equipment in order to do one thing...catch auto thieves and get our vehicles back. The numbers show that this program not only works, but works well. Auto thefts have steadily decreased in Texas by HUGE numbers. Some of this is due to the advancements in vehicle design (and who do you think advises car makers on these designs?) but most is due to hard work by these Task Force Officers. These Task Force would be unable to implement programs such as Bait Vehicles, Sting Operations and Interdiction operations without these funds. The disturbing part is this, the program does not cost the State a dime...the money comes from the insurance companies. The State is just looking for a way to grab that 14+ Million dollars. Get ready for auto thefts and your premiums to skyrocket!