Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently vetoed HB 2774, a bill to prohibit the installation of unsafe used tires.

In his veto message, Abbott described his reasoning for rejecting the bill.

“House Bill 2774 would have created a new crime for installation of faulty tires on vehicles,” said Abbott. “Texas does not need to impose new criminal penalties on people who put tires on cars.  For the past two sessions, the legislature has passed several laws aimed at limiting the reach of criminal penalties and reducing the burden of criminal records.  This bill goes in the opposite direction.  Nobody wants bad tires on the road, but creating a new crime is not the answer to every problem.”

During the session, HB 2774 passed the House and Senate with overwhelming majorities. The Senate had amended the bill with language sought by the governor’s office.

“We were very encouraged by the strong support both the Texas House and Senate demonstrated for this pro-consumer safety legislation,” said Dan Zielinski, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association senior vice president of public affairs. “We are very disappointed with the decision to veto this bill and believe that it would have reduced the risk of vehicle crashes.”

Since the Legislature has adjourned, a veto override attempt is not possible.