88R12113 MP-D By: Gerdes H.B. No. 3352 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the regulation of used and scrap tires by certain counties. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 361, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 361.1121 to read as follows: Sec. 361.1121. MARKING USED OR SCRAP TIRES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) In this section: (1) "Generator" includes a fleet operator, an automotive dismantler, a tire recapper or retreader, or a retailer, wholesaler, or manufacturer of whole new or used tires. The term does not include a scrap tire energy recovery facility or a scrap tire recycling facility. (2) "Retailer" means a person who is engaged in the business of selling or otherwise placing tires in the stream of commerce for use on a vehicle, trailer, or piece of equipment. (3) "Scrap tire" has the meaning assigned by Section 361.112. The term does not include a tire: (A) in or on a vehicle that: (i) has been crushed; or (ii) is being transported to a registered metal recycling entity or a licensed used automotive parts recycler; or (B) that is mounted on a metal wheel that is intended to be recycled. (4) "Used tire" means a tire that: (A) has been used as a tire on a vehicle, trailer, or piece of equipment; (B) has tire tread at least one-sixteenth inch deep; (C) can still be used for its original intended purpose; and (D) meets the visual and tread depth requirements for used tires established by the Department of Public Safety. (b) This section applies only to a county with a population of 150,000 or less. (c) The commissioners court of a county to which this section applies may establish and enforce a program requiring a generator to mark used or scrap tires handled by the generator. (d) A program established under this section must: (1) assign to each generator a unique identifying mark required to be affixed to or imprinted on each scrap or used tire, taken possession of or produced by the generator; (2) allow a customer to retain a scrap or used tire removed from the customer's vehicle during the purchase of a tire from a retailer; (3) require a retailer whose customer retains a scrap or used tire to keep a record of the customer's retention; and (4) include a system to inspect generators for compliance. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.