S.B. No. 72 amends the Business & Commerce Code to redefine the terms related to rental agreements and rental companies, extending the duration from 30 days to 180 days. Specifically, the bill updates the definitions of "rental agreement" and "rental company" to reflect this new time frame. Additionally, it introduces a new section, 91.057, which mandates that rental companies must issue refunds for any damage waiver charges that exceed the number of days the waiver is in effect. This refund requirement applies if the renter returns the vehicle early or cancels the damage waiver before the anticipated return date, provided the vehicle was not damaged.

The changes enacted by this bill will only apply to rental agreements entered into on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Agreements made prior to this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. The bill passed both the Senate and the House with overwhelming support, indicating a strong legislative consensus on the need for these updates in the regulation of private passenger vehicle rental companies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 91.001 (Commerce Code 91)
Senate Committee Report: Commerce Code 91.001 (Commerce Code 91)
Engrossed: Commerce Code 91.001 (Commerce Code 91)
House Committee Report: Commerce Code 91.001 (Commerce Code 91)
Enrolled: Commerce Code 91.001 (Commerce Code 91)