HB 3928 presents a practical and liberty-enhancing solution to a growing procedural challenge in Texas law. As it stands, state law requires vehicle storage facilities to publish notices in newspapers when a towed vehicle’s owner or lienholder cannot be identified or located. However, the bill analysis and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s (TDLR) 2025–2029 Strategic Plan highlight that the declining number and readership of newspapers across the state are undermining the effectiveness of this requirement. HB 3928 addresses this by allowing storage operators to fulfill their legal obligations through a publicly accessible Internet website maintained by a department-approved third party, providing a more flexible and accessible alternative for compliance.
Importantly, the bill does not expand the size or scope of government. It does not create any new regulatory body or impose additional state oversight. Instead, it leverages the private sector by allowing third-party service providers to assist with public notice functions. Furthermore, it imposes no new mandates on the public and no new taxes or fees. According to the Legislative Budget Board, the bill has no significant fiscal impact on the state or local governments, and any minor administrative duties can be handled within existing resources.
Rather than increasing regulatory burdens, HB 3928 reduces them. It simplifies the process for vehicle storage facilities, many of which struggle to comply with outdated publication requirements due to the scarcity of local newspapers. By introducing a digital option, the bill lowers costs, improves public notice reach, and helps ensure that affected vehicle owners receive proper notice—strengthening property rights and due process protections.
In summary, HB 3928 reflects a well-calibrated policy improvement that supports individual liberty, reduces regulatory friction for businesses, avoids expanding government, and does not burden taxpayers. It is consistent with principles of limited government and free enterprise and warrants strong support.
Individual Liberty: HB 3928 enhances due process protections for individuals whose vehicles have been towed. Under current law, if the vehicle’s owner or lienholder cannot be identified or located, notice must be published in a newspaper. However, as local newspapers decline, affected individuals are less likely to receive timely notice. By allowing publication on a publicly accessible Internet platform, the bill increases the likelihood that individuals will be properly informed, preserving their right to retrieve their property. This ensures more equitable access to information and upholds due process protections enshrined in both the Texas and U.S. Constitutions.
Personal Responsibility: The bill promotes personal responsibility by preserving the legal framework that requires individuals to act if their vehicle is towed—but it ensures that they are properly informed so they have a fair opportunity to respond. At the same time, the bill encourages storage operators to fulfill their responsibilities using tools that are more practical and effective in the modern media environment.
Free Enterprise: HB 3928 opens the door to private-sector solutions by authorizing department-approved third-party Internet platforms to serve a public notice function. This creates opportunities for private businesses to provide a service previously monopolized by print newspapers. It aligns with market-oriented reforms that increase competition, lower costs, and improve service delivery for regulated industries like vehicle storage.
Private Property Rights: Timely notice is essential to protecting an individual’s property interest in a towed vehicle. Without adequate notice, an owner could unknowingly forfeit their rights. HB 3928 strengthens these protections by improving the effectiveness of the notification system. Ensuring that owners and lienholders receive actual or constructive notice is critical to upholding constitutional property protections.
Limited Government: The bill avoids expanding government power. It does not create new agencies, increase regulatory authority, or impose new mandates. Instead, it gives regulated businesses more flexibility in how they comply with existing law. It also reduces dependence on traditional, government-privileged media and embraces more decentralized, modern methods of communication. Additionally, the fiscal note confirms that implementation can be absorbed with existing resources, reinforcing the principle of a lean, efficient public sector.
