Bill
SB 1501
85(R) - 2017
Senate Business & Commerce
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Senate Business & Commerce
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Occupational Licensing
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Positive
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
Author(s)
Judith Zaffirini
Sponsor(s)
John Kuempel
Bill Caption
Relating to the regulation of motor vehicle towing, booting, and storage and to the elimination of required state licensing for vehicle booting companies and operators.
Fiscal Notes
From the Legislative Budget Board: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 1501 would amend the Occupations Code to abolish the occupational licensure requirement for a person who installs or removes a boot on a vehicle or an office building owner or manager who installs or removes a boot in the building’s parking lot. Local authorities would be permitted to regulate booting activities.
In the committee substitute, a towing company that makes a non consent tow must tow to a licensed vehicle storage facility. Next, a booting company may not charge a total amount for the removal of multiple boots greater than the amount for the fee for the removal of a single boot. Finally, an individual designated by a university may, to facilitate a special event, request a vehicle be towed to another location on campus.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Although a few additional regulations are put in place, abolishing an occupational license for "booting" and placing regulatory authority over this issue in the hands of local government supports our principles of limited government and free markets. Abolishing occupational licences is a worthy legislative pursuit which we encourage to be taken up with vigor. We support SB 1501
Organizations Supporting
Texas Towing & Storage Association