Texas anti-inspection bill dies

AUSTIN, Texas — A bill in the Texas legislature that would have dismantled the state's periodic vehicle safety inspection program died at the end of the legislative session, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

Texas House Bill 1588, along with sister legislation Senate Bill 3995, would have replaced the state's inspection program with an "inspection program replacement fee" due at a vehicle's registration or registration renewal.

"We are extremely grateful to have seen the outpouring of opposition from our Texas members," said Robert L. Redding, ASA Washington representative.

When HB 1588 was introduced, the ASA and the Auto Care Association urged its Texas members to write their legislators in opposition to the bill.

"We are extremely grateful to have seen the outpouring of opposition from our Texas members," said ASA Washington Representative Robert L. Redding.

"We have 15 state vehicle inspection programs in the United States," Mr. Redding said. "Our members in these states understand that these programs protect the motoring public."

Millions of Texans would have been at risk because of unsafe passenger vehicles if HB 1588 had passed, according to the ASA.

"The Auto Care Association engaged in an all-out assault with its state and national partners on (the) legislation," said ACA President and CEO Bill Hanvey.

For more information about the ASA's efforts in government affairs, go to its legislative website, www.TakingTheHill.com. For more information on the ASA and its program, contact www.autocare.org.