Representative Larry Phillips, Vice-Chair of the House Transportation Committee,
\nhas filed HB-2893 a bill that if passed will require every motor vehicle in Texas
\nto be equipped with an electronic toll tag. If Phillips gets what he wants your
\ninspection sticker will contain an electronic device called a transponder. This
\nis the same radio signal device called a toll tag. It will contain detailed
\nidentification and information about your car that can be tied to your registration
\nand title information. It will also be used to charge tolls for all present and
\nfuture toll roads and other toll facilities statewide.<\/p>\n
This technology will allow any motor vehicle in Texas to be remotely identified and
\ntracked without the driver’s knowledge. In fact, that is exactly what this bill is
\nintended to do. The state (or even worse a private contractor for the state) will
\nelectronically monitor vehicles on the highway and check them against a insurance
\ndatabase. Registered owners of vehicles that do not appear in the insurance database
\nwill be sent a bill for $250.00.<\/p>\n
Anywhere a nearby radio signal can be beamed at your vehicle it can be identified.<\/p>\n
There is no question that this is just the tip of the iceberg if we start down the
\npath of establishing a Big Brother system administered by fee and fine mercenaries.<\/p>\n
Instantly freeways, highways, roads, and special lanes can become tolled. The code
\nword for this program is “Managed Lanes.” There is an agenda here. There is big
\nmoney in tolls and private enforcement programs. There are giant opportunities for
\nabuse and attacks on civil liberties.<\/p>\n
Today it will monitor your insurance. What will it monitor tomorrow?<\/p>\n
Remember Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson’s quote?
\nOn October 11, 2004 he said, “in your lifetime most existing roads will have tolls.”
\nHe said existing roads, not just new roads, or special toll roads. Yes, the future
\nis taxing through tolls.<\/p>\n
Now we know how they will collect the tolls from all of us!<\/p>\n
EXCERPT FROM HB-2893<\/p>\n
Sec. 601.507.\u00c2\u00a0 SPECIAL INSPECTION CERTIFICATES.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n (a)\u00c2\u00a0 Commencing not later than January 1, 2006, the department shall
\nissue or contract for the issuance of special inspection certificates to be
\naffixed to motor vehicles that are inspected and found to be in proper and
\nsafe condition under Chapter 548.
\n(b)\u00c2\u00a0 An inspection certificate under this section must contain a
\ntamper-resistant transponder, and at a minimum, be capable of storing:
\n(1)\u00c2\u00a0 the transponder’s unique identification number; and
\n(2)\u00c2\u00a0 the make, model, and vehicle identification number of
\nthe vehicle to which the certificate is affixed.
\n(c)\u00c2\u00a0 In addition, the transponder must be compatible with:
\n(1)\u00c2\u00a0 the automated vehicle registration and certificate of
\ntitle system established by the Texas Department of Transportation; and
\n(2)\u00c2\u00a0 interoperability standards established by the Texas
\nDepartment of Transportation and other entities for use of the system of
\ntoll roads and toll facilities in this state.<\/p>\n