Relating to the regulation of motor fuel metering devices and motor fuel quality.
Impact
The enactment of HB3408 will have implications for businesses involved in the sale and distribution of motor fuel. These entities will need to comply with the new standards and regulations set by the bill, which may involve additional paperwork, training, and possibly financial investment to upgrade metering devices. The bill also sets civil penalties for non-compliance, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the new regulations. This could lead to improved consumer protections, as buyers will benefit from better regulation of fuel transactions and quality standards in the market.
Summary
House Bill 3408 aims to regulate motor fuel metering devices and ensure the quality of motor fuel sold within the state of Texas. The bill establishes definitions for various terms related to motor fuel, such as 'dealer,' 'distributor,' and 'motor fuel metering device,' which standardizes the terminology used in the industry. This legislation also mandates documentation and compliance measures for distributors and suppliers, ensuring that motor fuel quality is maintained and reported accurately. It further seeks to create an advisory board to oversee compliance and address issues related to fuel quality and metering devices.
Sentiment
The sentiment toward HB3408 appeared largely positive among legislators, as it is seen as a necessary step to improve the safety and quality of motor fuel sold in Texas. Supporters argue that this regulation could enhance consumer trust and ensure fairness in fuel sales. However, there are concerns about the potential increase in operational costs for businesses that may face challenges meeting the new regulatory requirements. Some opposition may also arise from those who feel that increased government oversight could lead to unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB3408 primarily revolve around the balance between necessary regulation and operational efficiency for fuel distributors. Concerns have been raised by some business owners and associations about the potential for increased costs and the burden of additional regulations that could arise from the bill. Discussions have also touched on how these regulations might impact small businesses differently than larger fuel distributors, potentially leading to inequalities in compliance burdens.
Relating to creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device or motor fuel unattended payment terminal and the prosecution of organized criminal activity involving that conduct.
Relating to creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device or motor fuel unattended payment terminal and the prosecution of organized criminal activity involving that conduct.
Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of motor fuel metering and motor fuel quality from the Department of Agriculture to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees.