Relating to the regulation of automotive wrecking and salvage yards in certain counties; providing a civil penalty.
Impact
The implementation of HB 4272 represents a significant change in how violations related to the operations of automotive wrecking and salvage yards are managed within certain counties. By empowering district and county attorneys as well as municipal attorneys to bring actions to collect penalties, the bill enhances local regulatory capacity. Furthermore, the penalties collected would be deposited into respective local treasuries, reinforcing local governments' authority and financial incentives to enforce regulations actively.
Summary
House Bill 4272 addresses the regulation of automotive wrecking and salvage yards, specifically in designated counties of Texas. The bill introduces a framework that establishes civil penalties for operators of such yards who violate existing regulations. These penalties range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $1,000 for each violation, with the provision that a separate penalty can be imposed for each day that a violation continues. Through this measure, the intent is to enforce compliance and provide a clear financial consequence for non-adherence.
Contention
While the bill is designed to streamline regulatory enforcement, it may face criticisms regarding its scope and the implications for small businesses within the automotive salvage industry. Some stakeholders may argue that the civil penalties are excessive, potentially stifling legitimate operators who might inadvertently find themselves in violation due to the complexities of the regulations. The effectiveness of the bill in ensuring compliance without discouraging lawful operations will likely be a point of contention among business owners and regulatory advocates alike.
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