H.B. No. 3016 amends Section 91.056 of the Business & Commerce Code to clarify the circumstances under which a rental company may void a damage waiver for a rental vehicle. The bill specifies that a rental company can void a damage waiver if the damage is caused intentionally by an authorized driver, arises from unauthorized use of the vehicle, or if the rental company was misled by fraudulent information provided by the renter. Additionally, the bill introduces new conditions under which a damage waiver can be voided, including situations where the vehicle is stolen and the renter fails to return the ignition key, report the theft to law enforcement within 24 hours, or cooperate with the investigation.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to rental agreements entered into on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Agreements made before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. This legislation aims to provide clearer guidelines for rental companies regarding damage waivers and to protect their interests in cases of theft or misuse of rental vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 91.056 (Commerce Code 91)
House Committee Report: Commerce Code 91.056 (Commerce Code 91)
Engrossed: Commerce Code 91.056 (Commerce Code 91)
Senate Committee Report: Commerce Code 91.056 (Commerce Code 91)
Enrolled: Commerce Code 91.056 (Commerce Code 91)