The Automotive Service Association (ASA) called on the Texas State Senate to oppose House Bill 3297, which would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection program for non-commercial vehicles.
On May 15, the State Affairs Committee passed HB 3297 on an 8-3 vote. However, earlier in this legislative session, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee rejected SB 684---a similar bill---by a vote of three in favor and five against.
Research, including a study commissioned by the legislature in 2017, unequivocally demonstrated regular testing of a vehicle’s tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and beams, seat belts and other components plays a critical role in preventing injuries, deaths and loss of property.
The ASA is a long-time supporter of vehicle safety inspections and opposes this bill in addition to legislation that would decrease the required frequency of inspection.
“The Texas Senate has an opportunity to do the right thing for their constituents by not advancing this bill," said Bob Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C., representative. "Texas has a successful vehicle inspection program that protects the motoring public. This private-public partnership program should not be eliminated. Instead, the legislature should heed its own study’s recommendations and consider adding additional inspection items to the program.”
The ASA thanked its Texan members and allies who contacted their state legislators to educate them on this issue, and urged them to oppose the bill. ASA continued to encourage Texas residents to email their state senators by visiting this website.
Source: ASA
