Pub. 61 2020-2021 Issue 4

16 TADA REVIEW OF THE 87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION TEXAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION PROGRAM (TERP) ELECTRIFICATION/ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS LICENSE PLATES HB 2361 (Landgraf/Birdwell) New Technology Implementation Grant Program Legislation will move money allocations to the new technology implementation grant program from the clean fleet programs, focusing on using the new money to reduce flaring emissions. TADA monitored this legislation throughout the process but remained neutral. HB 2361 was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 15 and becomes effective Sept. 1. HB 2221 (Canales) Electrification Legislation, as introduced, would have established a framework for the electrification of transportation in Texas. TADA successfully removed language that would have made the electric vehicle incentive program seller-based versus the current buyer-based structure. HB 2221 was sent to House Calendars on April 29, but no further action was taken. SB 839 (Schwertner/Huberty) EV Charging Stations Legislation, as introduced, would have given TDLR the authority over the regulation of electric vehicle supply equipment. TADA and Group 1 Automotive worked to ensure a floor amendment would be offered to specify that businesses providing free charging for their customers and employees would be exempt from coverage under this bill. SB 839 was placed on the House General State Calendar on May 25 but was not heard before the midnight deadline to hear Senate bills. SB 490/HB 1105 (Paxton/Paddie) Digital License Plate Legislation, as introduced, would have allowed digital license plates on passenger vehicles. TADA remained neutral on this legislation. HB 1105 passed the House on April 15 and was referred to in the Senate on April 19, but neither HB 1105 nor SB 490 received a hearing in Senate Transportation. The digital license plate language was later added to SB 1816 as an amendment, but SB 1816 didn’t pass. HB 1199 (Metcalf) One License Plate Legislation, as introduced, would have required TxDMV to issue one license plate, rather than a set of two plates, for a passenger car or light-duty truck. TADA supported HB 1199 in House Transportation. HB 1199 was heard in the House Transportation on March 23, but no further action was taken. HB 502 (Wu) One License Plate Legislation, as introduced, would have authorized a motor vehicle to display only a rear license plate if the applicant for the vehicle’s registration pays an annual fee of $50. TADA monitored this legislation but remained neutral. HB 502 was referred to House Transportation on March 1, but no further action was taken. SB 2012 (L. Taylor) One License Plate Legislation, as introduced, would have provided an exemption to the two-license plate requirement for vehicles lacking a dedicated area on the front bumper because a manufacturer failed to provide a location on the vehicle for placement of a front license plate. TADA monitored this legislation but remained neutral. SB 2012 passed the Senate on April 29 and was referred to House Transportation on May 4, but no further action was taken.  LEGISLATIVE SESSION — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15