Bill

SB 368

85(R) - 2017
Senate Transportation
Senate Transportation
Civil Justice
Civil Procedure
Nontax Revenue
Transportation & Infrastructure

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Sylvia Garcia

Bill Caption

Relating to the regulation of automotive wrecking and salvage yards in certain counties.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

This bill is bracketed for Harris County. Under current law, a person who operates an automotive wrecking and salvage yard in violation of Chapter 397 of the Transportation Code is liable for additional civil penalties for each violation of at least $500 and at most $1,000. SB 368 would change the maximum penalty to $5,000.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would expand the government by increasing the maximum civil penalties on automotive wrecking and salvage yard violations by 400%. We have no reason to believe doing so is necessary for the enforcement of these regulations or is a component of a necessary state function. Such a significant increase is overly punitive. For this reason, we oppose SB 368 on the grounds it infringes on our principle of limited government.