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.