SRC-CDH S.B. 945 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 945
By: Patterson
State Affairs
3-14-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, vehicle storage facilities charge a "preservation" fee of $10
which covers the cost of taking an inventory of a vehicle, running a motor
vehicle registration check, paying the salary of a security officer 24
hours a day, and if needed, providing a tarp for the vehicle.  This
legislation replaces the term "preservation" with "impoundment" in an
attempt to provide a more appropriate  
term for the services provided and expenses incurred by vehicle storage
facilities when a vehicle is stored or parked at the facility.   
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 945 establishes certain fees charged by vehicle storage
facilities. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2(7), Article 6687-9a, V.T.C.S. (Vehicle Storage
Facility Act), to define "impoundment," rather than "preservation," as an
action taken by or at the direction of the owner or operator of a vehicle
storage facility that is necessary to preserve, protect, or service a
vehicle stored or parked at the facility. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 14(d), Article 6687-9a, V.T.C.S., to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.