Possible Hybrid tax break in Texas

<_< In May, a Houston legislator introduced a Bill in the Texas House of Representatives which, if ultimately passed, could lead to elimination of the 6¼% vehicle sales tax. It is in the "Ways and Means Committee."

Here's the text:

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79S30025 CBH-D

By: Bohac H.B. No. 16

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the imposition of the motor vehicle sales tax on certain motor vehicles using alternative fuels.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 152, Tax Code, is amended by adding Section 152.090 to read as follows:
Sec. 152.090. CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES USING ALTERNATIVE FUELS. (a) In this section:
(1) "Alternative fuel" means a fuel other than gasoline or conventional diesel fuel that can be used to propel a motor vehicle. The term includes:
(A) natural gas and liquid fuels domestically produced from natural gas;
{B} liquefied petroleum gas;
{C} methanol, ethanol, or other alcohols;
(D) blends of 85 percent or more of methanol, ethanol, or other alcohols with gasoline;
(E) coal-derived liquid fuels;
(F) hydrogen;
(G) electricity; and
(H) P-Series fuels.
(2) "Hybrid motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle that draws propulsion energy from both gasoline or conventional diesel fuel and from a rechargeable energy storage system.
{B} The taxes imposed by this chapter do not apply to the sale or use of a motor vehicle that is propelled by the use of an alternative fuel or that is a hybrid motor vehicle.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act does not affect tax liability accruing before the effective date of this Act. That liability continues in effect as if this Act had not been enacted, and the former law is continued in effect for the collection of taxes due and for civil and criminal enforcement of the liability for those taxes.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect on the first day of the first month that begins on or after the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.
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SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 152, Tax Code is the law that imposes the State tax on purchase of a vehicle. Simply stated, should HB16 be enacted, such vehicles will be relieved of the 6¼% vehicle sales tax in Texas. The way this Bill is worded seems to indicate that this would also apply the purchase of used vehicles.

Unfortunately, the "wheels of the Legislature" turn very slowly.