Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2699

Filed

3/13/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to motor fuel measuring, quality, and testing standards.

Impact

If enacted, SB2699 would significantly impact the state laws governing motor fuel quality and testing. It would ensure that all gasoline sold must meet specific ASTM standards, potentially increasing the quality of fuel available to consumers while also holding businesses accountable for compliance. This change is intended to reduce variance in fuel quality across different regions of Texas, promoting fairness among fuel retailers. It may also lead to improved environmental outcomes by enforcing stricter measures for emissions and fuel composition.

Summary

SB2699, relating to motor fuel measuring, quality, and testing standards, focuses on establishing updated quality standards for motor fuel sold in Texas. The bill emphasizes adherence to the most recent nationally recognized ASTM petroleum standards and introduces provisions for consistent quality assessment throughout the state. Included in its mechanisms are amendments to the Occupations Code, particularly surrounding fuel quality standards and the responsibilities of the department in charge of regulation. This bill aims to ensure that the motor fuel sold or offered for sale in Texas conforms to established standards, enhancing consumer safety and environmental protections.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB2699 may reflect varying opinions on regulation in the fuel market. Supporters argue that higher standards will protect consumers and enhance environmental health, while opponents might raise concerns regarding the increased operational costs for fuel retailers. Additionally, there could be issues related to implementation, enforcement, and the possible burden on local businesses. Overall, while the bill advocates for higher fuel quality, its passage could lead to debates about regulatory overreach versus necessary consumer protection.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

Chapter 2310. Motor Fuel Metering And Quality
- Section: 001
- Section: 060
- Section: 107
- Section: New Section
- Section: 203

Companion Bills

TX HB4690

Identical Relating to motor fuel measuring, quality, and testing standards.

Previously Filed As

TX SB246

Relating to the regulation of motor fuel metering devices and motor fuel quality.

TX HB3651

Relating to motor fuel taxes.

TX HB2763

Relating to an exemption from motor fuel taxes for certain fuel used by a rural transit district to provide public transportation.

TX HB3599

Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for, and registration fees for motor vehicles owned by, certain nonprofit food banks.

TX HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

TX HB2086

Relating to creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device or motor fuel unattended payment terminal and the prosecution of organized criminal activity involving that conduct.

TX SB2305

TX HB654

Relating to the exemption of hospitals from the diesel fuel tax.

TX HB3710

Relating to the advertisement of prices by persons selling motor fuel.

TX HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.