Texas House Bill HB1695

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the transfer of the regulation of motor fuel metering and motor fuel quality from the Department of Agriculture to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees.

Impact

If enacted, HB1695 would introduce changes to how motor fuel is measured and sold in Texas, mandating compliance with stricter standards for metering devices. The bill would ensure that all devices used for commercial fuel sales meet the necessary requirements for accuracy and maintenance, which is expected to reduce cases of fraud and discrepancies in fuel sales. Additionally, it would create a structured process for the registration, testing, and licensing of service technicians and companies involved in maintaining these devices, thereby contributing to improved accountability in the motor fuel industry in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1695 seeks to transfer the regulation of motor fuel metering and quality from the Texas Department of Agriculture to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The bill establishes a new legal framework for overseeing motor fuel metering devices and implements associated civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. By moving oversight to the Department of Licensing and Regulation, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of inspections and ensure higher standards of quality and accuracy in fuel sales across the state.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding HB1695 appears to be supportive among proponents who argue that it represents a modernization of motor fuel regulation. They contend that transferring authority to a more specialized agency will improve regulatory oversight and consumer protection. Conversely, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the potential for increased costs associated with compliance and the administrative burden that the new licensing requirements might impose on small fuel retailers.

Contention

There are notable points of contention related to the feasibility and economic impact of the new regulations on smaller businesses. Critics argue that the financial implications of compliance—such as registration fees and the costs related to mandatory inspections—could disproportionately affect smaller operators within the fuel market. This has led to discussions about whether enhanced regulation might inadvertently lead to decreased competition in the industry, thus raising prices for consumers in the long run.