Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2115

Caption

Relating to the regulation of motor vehicle towing and booting.

Impact

By enacting this legislation, SB2115 seeks to standardize the practices around towing and booting across Texas, ultimately intending to protect vehicle owners from unfair practices. It additionally aims to clarify the authority of parking facility owners and towing companies, restricting who can manage unauthorized vehicles. This change is expected to result in a more transparent towing process, helping to inform vehicle owners of their rights and the conditions under which their cars might be towed or booted.

Summary

SB2115 relates to the regulation of motor vehicle towing and booting, focusing on establishing guidelines for how these operations should be managed within Texas. The bill emphasizes ensuring that fees related to towing and booting do not exceed the national average, aiming to safeguard consumers from excessive charges. Specifically, it introduces limits on parking facility owners' abilities to remove or boot unauthorized vehicles unless certain conditions are met, including time restrictions and the presence of signage notifying users of the towing policy.

Conclusion

Overall, SB2115 represents a significant shift in how motor vehicle towing and booting is regulated in Texas. It is expected to create a fairer environment for consumers while balancing the interests of parking facility owners and towing companies. The long-term impacts of the bill will depend on its implementation and any legal challenges that may arise as stakeholders navigate these new regulations.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding how the bill may be enforced and interpreted. For example, the imposition of a cap on towing fees may lead to disagreements on what constitutes the 'national average,' and whether this average reflects the local economic landscape. Additionally, the restrictions on the power of parking facility owners regarding the removal of vehicles could lead to conflicts, especially if these owners feel that their ability to manage their property is being undermined.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3478

Relating to mediation of certain fee disputes between towing companies and motor carriers.

TX SB1676

Relating to a bond in an appeal from a hearing for probable cause in the towing or booting of a motor vehicle.

TX HB3148

Relating to a vehicle storage facility operator's possessory lien on a vehicle and the vehicle's cargo, contents, and other personal property.

TX SB246

Relating to the regulation of motor fuel metering devices and motor fuel quality.

TX HB5269

Relating to motor vehicle titles.

TX HB3109

Relating to provision of notice by a vehicle storage facility through a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles electronic system; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3577

Relating to the issuance of title to a salvage pool operator for certain motor vehicles.

TX SB1263

Relating to the issuance of title to a salvage pool operator for certain motor vehicles.

TX HB3599

Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for, and registration fees for motor vehicles owned by, certain nonprofit food banks.

TX HB4661

Relating to the applicability of certain federal regulations to motor vehicles that are manufactured, sold, and operated exclusively in this state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.