Texas House Bill HB4526

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/5/09

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of charges for motor vehicle repairs; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The bill amends the Business & Commerce Code by introducing Chapter 22, which specifically tackles the matters of disclosure for repair charges. One significant impact of this legislation is that it standardizes the process by which repair costs are communicated to customers, thereby protecting consumers from unexpected charges after repairs are completed. Moreover, it also introduces a civil penalty of up to $500 for violations, indicating a strict enforcement approach intended to hold dealers accountable for compliance.

Summary

House Bill 4526 seeks to establish regulations regarding the disclosure of charges associated with motor vehicle repairs in Texas. The bill mandates that motor vehicle repair dealers must present customers with a written schedule detailing all potential charges before taking custody of a vehicle. This includes not only estimates for repairs but also any other charges related to storage and towing, ensuring that consumers have clear information about the costs they may incur during the repair process. The approach aims to enhance transparency between repair dealers and customers, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

Contention

Despite positive intentions, there is potential for contention regarding the implementation of these regulations. Critics may argue that the added requirements could burden small repair businesses with extensive administrative processes. Concerns may also arise about how effectively vendors can implement these changes without raising overhead costs, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers. Furthermore, the bill includes exceptions for minor repair work, which might lead to inconsistencies in consumer protection across different service situations, potentially leaving some customers with less transparency.