Relating to the approval requirement for a rental-purchase agreement that includes a loss damage waiver provision.
Impact
The implementation of SB289 affects how merchants conduct business within the rental-purchase sector. By stipulating that loss damage waivers must not be imposed as a mandatory charge, the bill calls for greater transparency in agreements and provides consumers with autonomy in making decisions regarding insurance coverage or liability waivers. This change aims to cultivate a marketplace that prioritizes consumer rights and informed consent, potentially leading to a more competitive environment among rental service providers.
Summary
Senate Bill 289, enacted into law on September 1, 2013, relates to the approval requirements for rental-purchase agreements, specifically those including a loss damage waiver provision. The bill amends existing statutes within the Business & Commerce Code to ensure that merchants cannot impose mandatory charges for loss damage waivers unless specific conditions are met. Importantly, the consumer must agree to the waiver in writing, thereby enhancing consumer protection in rental-purchase transactions.
Contention
Throughout the discussions, some concerns arose regarding the potential limitations this bill places on business operations. Proponents of tighter regulations pointed to the need to protect consumers from unwelcome or deceptive practices in the rental sector, while opponents argued that such restrictions could stifle businesses’ ability to offer competitive pricing and flexible services. The debate highlighted the tension between consumer rights and business operational freedoms, reflecting broader issues of regulation and market dynamics in state law.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
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.