SB 381
Middleton’s Remote Disabling Ban Could Reach Any Kill Switch
Died in committee
Verdict: Smells
Why it's charged
Dragnet
THE TEXT
…“means any application or device, including software, firmware, and hardware, that, when activated or engaged, allows a person to disable the operation of a motor vehicle”
Bill text, introduced version (I)
The caption targets remote disabling, but the definition never requires the device to work remotely. On its face it could reach any software or hardware that lets a person shut a vehicle off, such as anti-theft immobilizers or kill switches.
DragnetInitial review · graded Oct 20, 2026 · Headline, summary and grade are analysis of the bill text, not a finding about any person · How we grade
Caption
relating to the prohibited manufacture and sale of motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology.
Caption from analyzed text · version I.
Summary
Caption: remote disabling. Definition: any device that lets a person disable a vehicle.
The bill bars vehicle manufacturers from building, distributing, assembling or selling motor vehicles equipped with technology that lets a person disable the vehicle, and it bars dealers from selling or trading such vehicles. It touches carmakers and licensed dealers in Texas, and it exempts court-ordered ignition interlock devices. Dealers or makers who break the rule can lose their state license, and compliance is required starting January 1, 2026.
Labels
Labels: NEVER GOT A HEARING. Filed Nov 15, 2024 and referred to the Senate Transportation committee. No public hearing. The bill died.
Receipt
The receipt
89R-SB381 · 2024-11-15
SOLD BY
+ 2 coauthors
ITEM
relating to the prohibited manufacture and sale of motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology.
WHAT IT DOES
Caption: remote disabling. Definition: any device that lets a person disable a vehicle.
The bill bars vehicle manufacturers from building, distributing, assembling or selling motor vehicles equipped with technology that lets a person disable the vehicle, and it bars dealers from selling or trading such vehicles. It touches carmakers and licensed dealers in Texas, and it exempts court-ordered ignition interlock devices. Dealers or makers who break the rule can lose their state license, and compliance is required starting January 1, 2026.
CHARGES
[x] DRAGNETanalysis confidence 50%
THE TEXT
…“means any application or device, including software, firmware, and hardware, that, when activated or engaged, allows a person to disable the operation of a motor vehicle”
Bill text, introduced version (I)
The caption targets remote disabling, but the definition never requires the device to work remotely. On its face it could reach any software or hardware that lets a person shut a vehicle off, such as anti-theft immobilizers or kill switches.
TOTAL
No fiscal note in the loaded record.
HISTORY
- Received by the Secretary of the Senate
- Filed
- Read first time
- Referred to Transportation
- Co-author authorized
- Co-author authorized
FILED UNDER
No verified beat found.
THANK YOU FOR CHECKING THE RECEIPT
CAMPAIGN PAID FOR BY
CAMPAIGN PAID FOR BY
Donors
Not tied to this bill.
Sources
The author's campaign account only. Own money and internal transfers are separate on the member page.
Derived itemized flow · Jul 6, 2024 to Oct 24, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.
Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC$1,140,000.00
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC
$1,140,000.00
- Cash
- $1,140,000.00
- Paid by others
- $0.00
- Total
- $1,140,000.00
Also funds 124 other sitting lawmakers.
Derived recipient stock · Jul 10, 2024 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.
TEC account match.
TeamSources
Derived itemized flow · Dec 12, 2024 to Oct 21, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.
Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.
Report IDs: 101009502, 101012383, 101061137, 101072395, 101072779.
Missing data does not establish zero giving. Display amounts are rounded.
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC
$1,140,000.00
- Cash
- $1,140,000.00
- Paid by others
- $0.00
- Total
- $1,140,000.00
Also funds 124 other sitting lawmakers.
Derived recipient stock · Jul 10, 2024 to Oct 23, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.
TEC account match.
TeamSources
Derived itemized flow · Dec 12, 2024 to Oct 21, 2026. State data as of Nov 4, 2026.
Derived itemized contributions on live regular reports and uncovered special-session dates. Internal account transfers and daily reports are excluded.
Report IDs: 101009502, 101012383, 101061137, 101072395, 101072779.
Votes
No floor vote loaded for this bill.
Fiscal
No fiscal note in the loaded record.
How this was graded
Analysis of text version I by claude-opus-5-5, Oct 20, 2026, against the published rubric.
Sources
Texas Senate · Filed Nov 15, 2024
02/03/2025 S Referred to Transportation
Texas Legislature Online · Introduced
Data snapshot Oct 26, 2026 at 4:19 AM CDT. Grades, charges, quotes and corrections follow the published record.
Senate committee · Transportation · Final status: Died in committee
Companion
HB 2547 by Cain (identical)
Subjects
Vehicles & Traffic--Equipment
Vehicles & Traffic--General
Text
The text as introduced · 243 words
89R4021 RDR-D By: Middleton S.B. No. 381 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the prohibited manufacture and sale of motor vehicles equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter K, Chapter 547, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 547.619 to read as follows: Sec. 547.619. REMOTE VEHICLE DISABLING TECHNOLOGY PROHIBITED. (a) In this section: (1) "Dealer" and "manufacturer" have the meanings assigned by Section 503.001. (2) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.001. (3) "Remote vehicle disabling technology" means any application or device, including software, firmware, and hardware, that, when activated or engaged, allows a person to disable the operation of a motor vehicle. The term does not include an ignition interlock device, as defined by Article 42A.408, Code of Criminal Procedure. (b) A manufacturer may not manufacture, distribute, assemble, or sell a motor vehicle that is equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology. (c) A dealer may not sell or exchange a motor vehicle that is equipped with remote vehicle disabling technology. (d) A license holder under Chapter 2301, Occupations Code, who violates this section is subject to the revocation of the license under Section 2301.651(a)(4), Occupations Code. SECTION 2. Notwithstanding Section 547.619, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, a manufacturer or dealer is not required to comply with that section before January 1, 2026. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.