Sec. 431.049. REMOVAL ORDER FOR DETAINED OR EMBARGOED ARTICLE  


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  • (a) If the claimant of the detained or embargoed articles or the claimant's agent fails or refuses to transfer the articles to a secure place after the tag or other appropriate marking has been affixed as provided by Section 431.048, the commissioner or an authorized agent may order the transfer of the articles to one or more secure storage areas to prevent their unauthorized use, removal, or disposal.

    (b) The commissioner or an authorized agent may provide for the transfer of the article if the claimant of the article or the claimant's agent does not carry out the transfer order in a timely manner. The costs of the transfer shall be assessed against the claimant of the article or the claimant's agent.

    (c) The claimant of the article or the claimant's agent shall pay the costs of the transfer.

    (d) The commissioner may request the attorney general to bring an action in the district court in Travis County to recover the costs of the transfer. In a judgment in favor of the state, the court may award costs, attorney fees, court costs, and interest from the time the expense was incurred through the date the department is reimbursed.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 152, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 282, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.