Repair Shop Licensing Legislation Introduced In Texas

(Akron/Tire Review) A bill requiring all automotive repair shops to be registered has been introduced in both the Texas state Senate and House of Representatives. The companion bills introduced are Senate Bill 1120 (introduced by Sen. John Carona (R-16th)) and House Bill 2211 (by Rep. Jim Murphy (R-133rd)).

Both bills are currently in committee.

If passed, the legislation will create a specific state commission, with a paid executive director, and 12-member automobile service and repair advisory board that will include representatives of the auto repair industry and consumers. The board will regulate proposed amendments and changes to the shop licensing requirements required by this legislation.

The Senate version includes provisions requiring service tech and service writers to be both licensed and carry certifications for a range of repair areas. The licenses and certifications would be issued by a state commission that would be established under the proposed legislation. Shops would also be required to pay certain undetermined licensing fees.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is asking Texas repair shops to contact legislators in support of the measures. The ASA backed similar legislation was introduced in the Ohio Legislature last year. That attempt failed to gain steam.

The legislation does not apply to those who are not paid for auto service, those who service vehicles owned by educational facilities, owners of automobile fleets or their employees, franchised automobile dealers, or those who perform services on farm vehicles.

As with the failed Ohio proposal, though, the Texas bills would affect any business that installs or repairs components on a vehicle, and would include tyre dealers, mass merchants like Wal-Mart and Best Buy, fast oil change businesses, and auto accessory businesses that install stereos, security systems, tyres and wheels, etc.