Texas Senate Bill SB1965

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/8/09
• Voted on by House: 5/15/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to the regulation of retail installment contracts for commercial vehicles.

Impact

The bill will directly influence how retail installment contracts are structured, especially those involving commercial vehicles. It introduces new provisions that permit additional charges related to the purchase and financing of these vehicles that were previously unregulated. This change means that there can now be a clearer identification of various fees that buyers might incur, which is seen as a positive development from a consumer protection perspective. However, these amendments may also lead to higher costs associated with purchasing commercial vehicles, which could have implications for small business owners.

Summary

SB1965 aims to regulate retail installment contracts specifically for commercial vehicles by amending various provisions under the Finance Code. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and provide clearer guidelines on charges that can be imposed on buyers entering contracts for commercial vehicles. It establishes definitions and requirements intended to ensure that contracts are written in clear language accessible to the average consumer. This aims to protect consumers from potentially misleading practices in the sales of commercial vehicles, which often involve complex financing arrangements.

Contention

Despite the intended consumer protections, there are points of contention regarding the bill's implications for the commercial vehicle financing market. Some stakeholders argue that the additional regulatory measures could lead to increased costs for financing agreements, potentially making it more difficult for small business owners to access necessary vehicles. Others express concerns that while the bill attempts to protect consumers, it may wind up constraining the market by imposing too many restrictions on how sellers can structure financing deals, ultimately affecting availability and affordability.