Anthony Macaranas
THE Department of Public Safety supports Senate Bill 23-31, which proposes to release civil or criminal liability upon transfer of vehicle ownership.
Authored by Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, S.B. 23-31 would require the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue a notice of transfer and release of liability upon transfer of vehicle from original owner to new owner. The notice will be a declaration that the former owner is no longer responsible for parking/traffic violations or civil or criminal liability associated with the vehicle after the date of the sale.
The bill states that releasing the liability of the former owner of a vehicle upon sale is necessary.
In a letter last week, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas thanked the Senate Judiciary, Government and Law Committee chairman, Sen. Karl King-Nabors, for allowing DPS to comment on the bill.
Macaranas commended Cruz and expressed full support for S.B. 23-31.
He said requiring a release of liability by appropriate parties upon transfer of vehicle ownership “would afford added protection from liabilities for the seller and all parties involved such as the insurance companies that may still have an active policy in place.”
He said S.B. 23-31 would also deter buyers of vehicle from avoiding the registration process while having a valid insurance from the previous owner. The bill can simplify the legal process in case of dispute or issues related to the vehicle’s ownership or condition, Macaranas said.
The release of liability will ensure a smooth, secure and transparent transfer of ownership transaction, he added.
