2017 Texas Legislative Session Discussion Thread

[Dr. J]

Thanks for posting, @TXjak! Who's up for some coordinated lobbying?

Dr. Shaw's bio is here: Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D., P.E. - TCEQ - www.tceq.texas.gov (to understand who you are dealing with). I think the important points to emphasize are: (1) Teslas improve air quality just as much as other EVs, and (2) we pay state tax equivalent to that paid by other EV purchasers.

Background:
SB 1731 (see the "Enrolled" version of the Bill here: Texas Legislature Online - 85(R) Text for SB 1731, Subchapter D, Section 386.154(d) etc. starting on page 15), which re-establishes the rebate program, does not require qualifying new electric vehicles to be sold by dealerships. It merely requires the car to be first registered in Texas. The rebate for a leased vehicle is prorated over a three year period. The rebate is limited to the first 2,000 qualified applicants, beginning on a date that is yet to be determined.

The proposed rules (prior to the amendment by Commissioner Shaw) are linked in TXjak's post # 97.

 

[Dr. J]

I apologize for the cross-post, but in case you missed it, the Texas EV rebate of $2,500 is in the rule-making process with (I think) a decent chance of success if we all make our views known: Your Action Requested re: $2500 TX EV Grant (December 11, 2017)

 

[stephenpace]

We'll have a few driving in from Houston to provide in person support at the hearing. Let's hope they don't pull a dirty trick (again) and change the time at the last minute.

 

[Time0ut]

I've been googling to no avail

I heard that Texas Lawmaker wanted to get rid of front License Plates this year. Did they pass the law?

 

[brkaus]

I've been googling to no avail

I heard that Texas Lawmaker wanted to get rid of front License Plates this year. Did they pass the law?

I do not believe that was passed. I think they passed the electronic plate one though.

With the videos of people getting caught by TeslaCam repeater cameras in parking lot accidents - I think I like front plates.

 

[napabill]

Any change on Texas laws resulting from the Austin factory decision today? Please tell me its not still not legal to buy in Texas.

 

[brucet999]

Any change on Texas laws resulting from the Austin factory decision today? Please tell me its not still not legal to buy in Texas.

Legislature won't meet until January 2021. 6 month sessions every two years.

 

[TexasEV]

Legislature won't meet until January 2021. 6 month sessions every two years.

Actually it's shorter than that-- 140 day sessions unless a special session is called.

Presumably part of the deal was the leadership would support a change in the law protecting car dealerships. I'm looking at you, Lt. Gov. Patrick.

 

[brkaus]

With the exception of the Texas EV credit, I’m not sure the current situation really hurts Tesla.

I’d bet they also tossed a bone to the dealers to keep the money coming.

time will tell.

P.s. Group One Automotive dealers are terrible.