A new bill aimed at combating rental car theft was a focal point during the Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce meeting on May 15, 2025. House Bill 3016 seeks to close a significant loophole in the Texas Business and Commerce Code that has been exploited by thieves in the rental car industry.

Currently, collision damage waivers—optional agreements renters can purchase to protect against damage—do not cover theft under certain conditions. The bill proposes that rental car companies can invalidate these waivers if the renter fails to return the keys, does not file a police report within 24 hours, or does not cooperate with law enforcement during investigations. This change is crucial as Texas has seen a rise in rental car thefts, often involving accomplices who rent vehicles and leave them vulnerable to theft.

David Parsons, risk manager for Enterprise Mobility, voiced strong support for the bill, highlighting the serious impact of auto theft on rental companies. He noted that similar provisions exist in many other states, emphasizing the need for Texas to adopt this measure to deter theft and relieve law enforcement from handling these cases.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly as it relates to border crime, where stolen vehicles are often trafficked across state lines. While the bill may not eliminate all auto thefts, it aims to significantly reduce the exploitation of rental car agreements by bad actors.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of this legislation could reshape how rental car companies manage theft and protect their assets, marking a pivotal step in enhancing security within the industry.