Senate committee considers bill to let renters buy collision damage waivers for up to 180 days

The Senate Committee on Business & Commerce on Oct. 12 heard Senate Bill 72, which would allow consumers renting private passenger vehicles for more than 30 days to purchase collision damage waivers for up to 180 days.

The bill’s author, Dean Zaffirini, told the committee that a mismatch between Texas statutes limits renters’ access to damage waivers: the tax code treats some rentals as lasting up to 180 days, while the Business & Commerce Code’s collision damage waiver provision has a 30‑day cap. "Senate bill 72 would provide financial security to consumers by providing them the option to purchase damage waivers when renting a vehicle for more than 30 days," Zaffirini said, and the bill would require a pro rata refund if a renter returns the vehicle early.

The committee heard supporting testimony from Don Schwent, controller for Enterprise Mobility, which operates Enterprise, Alamo and National car rentals. Schwent said the company and its customers have asked for longer waiver options because "30‑plus day rentals are happening more frequently." He told the committee: "We support Senate Bill 72 because consumers and businesses that rent from us have asked for collision damage waivers for longer than 30 days."

Members asked no follow‑up questions during the public testimony period. Chairman Charles Schwertner closed public testimony and left the bill pending for further consideration.

Why it matters: Consumers who rent cars for extended stays — for temporary work assignments, long‑term travel or other needs — currently may be unable to buy a collision damage waiver once a rental exceeds 30 days under existing Business & Commerce Code language. SB72 would align the code with the tax code’s longer rental definition and formalize a pro rata refund mechanism.

Next steps: The bill remains pending in the Business & Commerce Committee; no vote was taken during the hearing.