Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB229

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to prohibiting a retail seller of motor vehicles from imposing certain restrictions on the purchase of a motor vehicle.

Impact

The implementation of SB229 is intended to create a more transparent automotive retail environment in Texas. By preventing sellers from imposing false or misleading representations and ensuring that buyers can utilize their funds without additional restrictions, the bill seeks to facilitate a smoother purchase process. This change could discourage unethical practices in the automotive sales industry and foster a more competitive marketplace, benefiting consumers who might otherwise face inflated costs.

Summary

Senate Bill 229 aims to enhance consumer protection in the motor vehicle purchasing process by prohibiting retail sellers from imposing certain restrictions on buyers who choose to finance their purchase using their own money or through third-party loans. The bill specifically targets practices that could lead to inflated sale prices or limitations on payment methods related to vehicle purchases. Under this legislation, sellers would not be allowed to increase prices for buyers paying cash or obtaining financing from lenders that are not affiliated with them, thereby promoting fairness in transactions.

Contention

Although there appears to be a consensus on the need for consumer protection in vehicle sales, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the potential impact on dealership revenues. Retail sellers might argue that the ability to impose certain restrictions has been a standard practice to manage risk. As the discussions around this bill proceed, the balance between protecting consumers and allowing businesses to operate effectively will likely be a key point of contention.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Finance Code

  • Chapter 348. Motor Vehicle Installment Sales
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1464

Relating to prohibiting a retail seller of motor vehicles from imposing certain restrictions on the purchase of a motor vehicle.

TX HB2027

Relating to the imposition of a road use tax on the retail sale of electric motor vehicles.

TX HB4602

Relating to the collection, remittance, and administration of certain taxes on motor vehicles rented through a marketplace rental provider; imposing a penalty.

TX HB3389

Relating to a refund of motor vehicle sales taxes paid on certain bad debt.

TX HB3209

Relating to the collection, remittance, and administration of certain taxes on motor vehicles rented through a marketplace rental provider; imposing a penalty.

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 HB4078

Relating to motor vehicle franchised dealers and the reimbursement of motor vehicle franchised dealers by manufacturers and distributors for warranty, recall, and preparation and delivery work.

TX HB2004

Relating to the tax imposed on the purchase of a motor vehicle by the lessee on termination of the lease.

TX SB1498

Relating to the collection, remittance, and administration of the tax on gross rental receipts on motor vehicles rented through a marketplace rental provider; imposing a penalty.

TX HB2410

Relating to the repossession of a motor vehicle after default on a motor vehicle title loan.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.