AUSTIN, Texas (April 4, 2013) — The Texas Tire Dealers Association (TTDA) opposes Texas Senate Bill 459, legislation mandating safety and transport regulations for used tires, on the grounds that it would place unacceptable burdens on Texas tire dealers.
"This proposed legislation has a very direct, onerous and costly impact on the small, independent tire dealer businesses in the state of Texas," said Thomas Baker, testifying on behalf of the TTDA, at a March 27 hearing on SB 459 before the Texas Senate Transportation Committee. "Yet no effort was made to contact the Texas Tire Dealers Association concerning the intent, language or provisions of this bill."
In particular, the bill's provisions for storage and transport of used tires—including a $100,000 bond as a prerequisite for registering as a tire transporter—would price many small but legitimate businesses out of the market, according to Mr. Baker.
"Let's enforce the regulations and laws already on the books," he said.
Supported by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and Liberty Tire Recycling L.L.C., SB 459 passed the Transportation Committee 9-0 on April 3 and is headed for the full Texas Senate.
"Of course we're disappointed, but we will continue to try to have legislators understand our position, and why we think this is so detrimental to small business owners in Texas," said TTDA Executive Director Chuck Space.