Texas Senate Bill SB2110

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/13/09

Caption

Relating to the compulsory inspection of motor vehicles; providing penalties.

Impact

The amendments made by SB2110 will have a substantial impact on state laws governing vehicle inspections. By increasing the certification fees for inspectors and inspection stations, the legislation seeks to reduce the number of non-compliant inspection entities, thereby promoting higher safety standards across the state. Furthermore, the introduction of civil penalties ranging from $250 to $500 for violations reinforces the expectation that both inspection stations and inspectors adhere strictly to the law. This could lead to a more robust and accountable inspection process, ultimately enhancing vehicle safety for Texas drivers.

Summary

Senate Bill 2110 aims to amend the existing laws regarding the compulsory inspection of motor vehicles in Texas, specifically targeting the regulatory framework under the Transportation Code. The bill proposes administrative and civil penalties for entities that violate inspection provisions, thereby strengthening the enforcement mechanism ensuring that motor vehicles comply with necessary safety standards. The proposed legislation contains detailed provisions concerning certification fees for inspection stations and vehicle inspectors, significantly increasing these fees to ensure better regulatory compliance.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2110 include concerns about the significant hike in certification fees and the potential burden this could place on smaller inspection stations. Critics argue that the increased financial requirements may limit market entry or operation for some entities, creating an uneven playing field in the vehicle inspection industry. Additionally, there are discussions about the fairness of imposing severe penalties on inspectors for violations, which some believe could disproportionately affect those working in lower-income communities or regions where economic burdens are already high.