STO ALERT!

TDLR Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 10 in Austin regarding the new proposed Environmental Hazard Fee for VSFs (not to be confused with accident clean up fees). Seehttp://www.tdlr.texas.gov/towing/towing.htm#vsfhearing for details on the meeting and for the proposed rule.

This Public Hearing was requested by the Insurance Council of Texas to protest the proposed $2.50 per vehicle fee.

Their objections are as follows:

They claim this fee will be burdensome to the consumer. They estimate 100,000 vehicles per year, and the costs will either be paid directly by the consumer, or paid by insurance companies, who will increase premiums to cover the increase.

The proposed definition of Biological and Environmental hazard is overly broad and vague.

There is no explanation of the public benefits for this rule as required by the Texas Government Code.

The State already charges $2.00 on every lead-acid battery sold for recycling. They claim the $2.50 would be a duplicate fee.

If you are going to attend the hearing and testify, TDLR has requested written comments be sent to them prior to the hearing. You may also send in written comments without attending the meeting in person. See below:

Persons interested in attending this hearing are encouraged to submit advance written notice of their intent to attend the hearing and to submit a written copy of their comments. Send comments by mail to Pauline Easley, Legal Assistant, General Counsel’s Office, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, or by facsimile to (512) 475-3032, or electronically to erule.comments@tdlr.texas.gov. This hearing will be conducted in accordance with Texas Government Code, §2001.

Please call STO at 972-247-9454 if you need further information.