Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
Texas rental car companies now possess statutory authority to void a damage waiver on a stolen vehicle if the renter fails to meet specific post-theft obligations. Effective September 1, 2025, liability shifts back to the renter if they fail to return the ignition key, fail to file a police report within 24 hours of discovering the theft, or fail to cooperate with the investigation.
Rep. John Lujan·House Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-06-20). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
Mandatory Amendment: Your standard Texas Rental Agreement (Terms & Conditions) must be updated. The "Damage Waiver" or "Loss Damage Waiver" section must explicitly list the three new statutory grounds for voidance:
Claims & Loss Recovery: Staff must be retrained to prioritize the collection of the physical key immediately upon a theft report. They must also be trained to request the *timestamped* police report rather than just the case number.
Incident Forms: Update your "Vehicle Theft Incident Report" to include mandatory fields for:
Cost Positive: There are no new government fees. This legislation is financially beneficial as it reduces fleet loss ratios by providing a clear, strict-liability standard to deny coverage for negligent renters, removing the previous need to prove "wanton misconduct."
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB3016
Texas rental car companies now possess statutory authority to void a damage waiver on a stolen vehicle if the renter fails to meet specific post-theft obligations. Effective September 1, 2025, liability shifts back to the renter if they fail to return the ignition key, fail to file a police report within 24 hours of discovering the theft, or fail to cooperate with the investigation.
HB3016 was authored by Texas Representative John Lujan during the Regular Session.
HB3016 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
The regulatory priority for HB3016 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB3016 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB3016 addresses topics including business & commerce, business & commerce--general, consumer protection and rental cars.
Key dates for HB3016: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB3016 primarily affects Texas businesses and commercial enterprises. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
