(a) Initial allocation of automated equipment. When requested by resolution of the commissioners court of a county, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in subsection (d) of this section, the department will:
  (1) make a fair share allocation of automated equipment available to that county to be used by its county tax assessor-collector in implementing and operating RTS;
  (2) provide the county tax assessor-collector with computer programs and personnel training; and
  (3) furnish official automated forms and, for the initial start-up of the system, automated equipment supplies.
(b) Additional automated equipment. At the request of the county tax assessor-collector of a county, subject to the terms and conditions specified in subsection (d) of this section, and for an amount of consideration that will cover the department's costs, the department will enter into an agreement with the commissioners court of that county under which the department will lease automated equipment to that county in addition to the fair share allocation for that county. Leased equipment will remain the property of the department and will be used primarily for RTS.
(c) Automated Registration and Titling System fee. The department will collect an additional fee of $.50 for each registration for the purposes set forth in Transportation Code, §502.356. The fee shall be deposited into a subaccount in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
(d) Conditions of availability.
  (1) A county must:
    (A) meet electrical power supply criteria specified by the department prior to installation of the automated equipment;
    (B) bear all costs incurred for 24-hour per day electrical power consumption for operation of the equipment;
    (C) provide for the physical security and protection of the equipment and shall indemnify the department for any loss or damages to the equipment while in the custody and control of the county;
    (D) provide the department's maintenance personnel access to the equipment during business hours of the involved county office; and
    (E) notify the department not less than 30 working days prior to relocating or adding automation equipment, or of the closing or remodeling of an office, that may affect automated equipment operations.
  (2) At the discretion of a county tax assessor-collector, automated equipment may be located at sites other than those of the county tax assessor-collector, including privately owned, for-profit enterprises performing registration and title functions for the county tax office. With regard to equipment located at sites other than those of the county tax assessor-collector, the department's responsibility will be limited to ensuring that the equipment remains operational. The county will be responsible for all training, user support, forms, supplies, user policy and procedures, and other support associated with this equipment.
  (3) Automated equipment made available to a county pursuant to this section shall remain the property of the department and must be used by the county tax assessor-collector for operation of RTS; provided, however, that while not in RTS usage, the equipment may be utilized for another statutory duty or function of that office.

Source Note: The provisions of this §217.72 adopted to be effective March 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 1096; amended to be effective August 8, 2016, 41 TexReg 5777; amended to be effective March 1, 2018, 43 TexReg 1146