May 31, 2017—Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1588, introduced by State Sen. Donald Huffines, R-16, died at the end of Texas’ legislative session. If enacted, the bill would have terminated Texas’ vehicle safety inspection program.
Working closely with a coalition of state and national partners, the Auto Care Association (ACA) said it pressured members of the Texas legislature to defeat the bill.
“The Auto Care Association engaged in an all-out assault with its state and national partners on legislation that included generating contacts to state legislators from Auto Care members and coordinating efforts of coalition groups to communicate to lawmakers the safety issues related to eliminating the Texas safety inspection program,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, ACA. “We thank our coalition partners, public safety advocates and other groups who worked tirelessly to preserve the inspection program that will ensure all vehicles on Texas roadways meet the minimum safety requirements.”
Robert L. Redding Jr., the Automotive Service Association's (ASA) Washington, D.C., representative said, “We are extremely grateful to have seen the outpouring of opposition from our Texas members. Texas repairers know the value of their program and did not hesitate to share their concerns with their representatives.
“We have 15 state vehicle inspection programs in the United States,” Redding continued. “Our members in these states understand that these programs protect the motoring public. Shops are on the front lines when customers fail to have their brakes, tires and other critical safety issues addressed.”
