Bill: SB 1820, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate Business & Commerce

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Positive Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Van Taylor

Bill Caption

Relating to the exemption of certain vehicles from towing regulations.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1820 would clarify the meaning of “tow truck” under Chapter 2308 (Vehicle Towing and Booting) of the Occupations Code. Specifically, this legislation would clarify that a “tow truck” is not a truck-trailer combination that is operated by a licensed automotive dealer. Additionally, “tow truck” would not mean a car hauler that ships general vehicles or ships vehicles for mining, drilling, or construction operations. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Currently, Chapter 2308 (Vehicle Towing and Booting) of the Occupations Code is governed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). TDLR does not interpret this chapter to include tow trucks that ship vehicles or transport new cars for a dealer. Nevertheless, the author’s statement of intent says, “some law enforcement agencies have cited these vehicles for failing to register with TDLR as tow trucks.”  

This bill would clarify the meaning of “tow truck” so that it specifically does not include the types of aforementioned vehicles. We support SB 1820 because it brings clarity to existing law and it protects a person from being unfairly cited for ambiguous language in the law. This is good for our limited government principle and private property principle. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/25/2024 04:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb1820?print_view=true