Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2153

Filed

Out of Senate Committee

4/17/09

Voted on by Senate

4/30/09

Out of House Committee

5/23/09

Voted on by House

5/27/09

Governor Action

6/19/09

Bill Becomes Law

Enrolled

5/28/09

Passed

6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the booting of vehicles by private entities in parking facilities; providing penalties.

Impact

The bill reflects a significant shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding vehicle booting. By permitting municipalities to adopt ordinances with additional requirements above the state's minimum standards for booting provisions, SB2153 provides local governments more authority to tailor regulations based on community needs. However, it also limits municipalities from enacting provisions that conflict with state law, ensuring a baseline level of regulation across Texas.

Summary

SB2153 aims to amend the existing Texas Towing and Booting Act by establishing clearer regulations surrounding the booting of vehicles by private entities in parking facilities. The bill specifically defines what constitutes 'booting' and sets forth the requirements for companies engaged in this activity. This includes providing a framework for obtaining the necessary licenses to operate as a boot operator or booting company, emphasizing the need for liability insurance coverage and establishing penalties for companies that fail to comply with the regulations stipulated in the bill.

Contention

One key point of contention within the legislative discussions is the balance between protecting vehicle owners' rights and allowing booting companies to enforce parking rules effectively. Proponents argue that the regulations laid out in SB2153, including mandatory signage at parking facilities and clearly defined penalties for unauthorized booting, would enhance transparency and accountability in the booting process. Critics, on the other hand, may argue that the regulations could inadvertently lead to overreach by booting companies, imposing undue financial burdens on vehicle owners who find their cars immobilized without adequate warning or justification.

Latest SB2153 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3963

Relating to the enforcement of parking rules or policies for a multiunit complex by a third-party parking enforcement vendor.

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1984

Relating to public-private partnerships for public and private facilities and infrastructure.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB3950

Relating to the maintenance of a tow rotation list by the commissioners court or sheriff's office of certain counties; authorizing fees; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB224

TX SB6

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.

TX HB2190

Relating to the terminology used to describe transportation-related accidents.

TX HB3478

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

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

TX HB3265

Relating to the licensing and regulation of tow truck companies, tow trucks, tow truck operators, vehicle storage facilities, vehicle storage facility employees, booting companies, and booting operators.

TX HB2508

Relating to the licensing and regulation of tow truck companies, tow truck operators, vehicle storage facilities, and vehicle storage facility employees, the regulation of parking facilities and parking facility owners, and the elimination of required state licensing for vehicle booting companies and operators.