Texas House Bill HB2468

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 3/8/11
• Voted on by House: 4/20/11
• Refer: 3/14/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/10/11
• Report Pass: 4/6/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/13/11
• Governor Action: 5/28/11
• Enrolled: 5/15/11
• Passed: 5/28/11

Caption

Relating to providing a patron of a pay-to-park or valet parking service with certain information; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The legislation is expected to create a more standardized form of communication between parking service operators and consumers. By mandating that essential contact information is readily available to patrons, the bill seeks to mitigate potential issues arising from service grievances, thereby empowering consumers with the means to hold operators accountable if necessary. Moreover, the bill introduces a civil penalty for non-compliance, ensuring that parking services adhere to the requirements set forth in the new statute.

Summary

House Bill 2468 aims to enhance consumer protection for patrons of pay-to-park and valet parking services. The bill puts forth several requirements that ensure patrons receive critical information about the parking service providers. This information includes the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the pay-to-park or valet parking service, which must be provided either on a receipt or displayed prominently at the payment location. It is a direct attempt to promote transparency in parking services that are often utilized by patrons in various public accommodations, such as restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve consumer rights, it reflects an ongoing tension between consumer protection and business regulation. Some operators may view the added requirements and penalties as burdensome and potentially detrimental to their business model. Striking a balance between providing necessary consumer protections and not over-regulating business operations will likely be a topic of ongoing debate. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the long-term implications of HB2468 on the parking service industry.