In over 50 meetings with Texas legislators, dealers met with very favorable response to the tax issue

Left to right: TARA President Kelly Sayre, TARA Executive Director Lynn Clark, Talley Rents owner Mike Talley, and Rent City owner Ed Wisdom in the Texas state capital.

Forty-two Texas rental professionals came together for a Legislative Conference January 24th & 25th in Austin, Texas (see photo gallery below).

Rent to Own dealers from around the state were informed about several issues (property taxes, late fee increase and outdated Texas Department of Health regulations regarding sanitization of used bedding) that may require a "legislative fix." The conference was arranged by The Texas Association of Rental Agencies (TARA). Rent-A-Center provided financial sponsorship for the meeting.

After a lively discussion during the first day’s meeting, lobbyist Terral Smith determined that ARA should initially focus on a resolution to the manner in which personal property taxes are levied by the various taxing jurisdictions in Texas. There is currently no consistency as to how or what property will be taxed. TARA is seeking a level playing field and has taken the position that personal property rented to customers should receive The same exemption from property taxes that the car leasing business enjoys.

In over 50 meetings with Texas legislators, dealers met with very favorable response to the tax issue. First-time attendees were accompanied by experienced rental dealers who led the meetings. By the end of the day, a virtual RTO grassroots army was confident its efforts were very successful.

While the property tax issue is front and center, TARA is carefully pursuing a late fee increase behind the scenes. A strategy to seek relief from the onerous Texas Department of Health rules on used bedding is also being developed.

Key Texas House of Representative leaders have indicated this legislative session will pass fee increases for a number of industries. The used bedding issue is more difficult, but TARA is determined to pursue a solution.

"TARA needs the support of every Texas rental dealer to pursue this aggressive legislative agenda," said TARA Executive Director, Lynn Clark.

Photo gallery of the 2005, TARA Legislative Conference - Austin, Texas

Kelly Sayre, Lynn Clark Mike Talley and Ed Wisdom....headed to their first meeting Texas dealers Mike Talley, Ed Wisdom and Kelly Sayre, along with John Rogers (High Touch) meet with TX State Rep. Bob Griggs TARA President Kelly Sayre opens the TARA Legislative Conference James MacAlpine, Susan & Dan Matthews, unknown, and John Rogers at pre-dinner party TARA lobbyist Terral Smith discusses the legislative agenda with attendees TARA members at breakfast, preparing to depart for meetings in the Texas State Capitol TARA members Ron DeMoss (Rentway) and Alan & Frances Erickson (Rent A Room) discuss legislative matters Texas Capitol Shelley Martinek updates TARA members on APRO's Spring calendar & upcoming events