AUSTIN, Texas—By a 9-0 vote, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee has passed Senate Bill 459, legislation to regulate the sale and transportation of used tires in the state.

With the April 3 vote, the bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

Supported by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and Liberty Tire Recycling but opposed by the Texas Tire Dealers Association and the Texas Automotive Recyclers Association, SB 459 would forbid the sale of used tires that are visibly damaged, are part of a federal safety recall, are improperly repaired, or which have less than 1/16 inch tread depth. It also sets forth stringent standards for transporting used and scrap tires.

"This is a very positive step in RMA's effort to address unsafe used tires," said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president, public affairs.