April 15, 2019
MONDAY MORNING MESSENGER
In Brief
In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger , in our Top Story of the morning, get an update on the Texas Legislative session in regards to Texas commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and commercial motor vehicles.

In our Regulatory Spotlight of the week, learn more about how you can take advantage of a comprehensive Cylinder Requalification Training Program right in the comfort of your own office.

Additionally, alternative fuel vehicle funding legislation is advancing in Texas, see how your colleagues are benefiting from some of the current programs below.

In our last story of the day, check our 2nd quarter meeting schedule in Uptown Austin. All members are invited to attend.
MEMBERS ONLY
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
In this issue
  • In Brief
  • CDLs
  • Cylinder Requalification
  • Legislative Update
  • TPGA Meeting Announcement
UPCOMING CALENDAR
April 22, 2019
Hotel Cut-Off
2nd Qtr TPGA Meetings
Top Story
Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)
& Commercial Motor Vehicles
This week, in the Texas Legislature, the House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee Chaired by Rep. Poncho Nevarez of Eagle Pass will specifically discuss Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) in regards to a change in fees, expiration periods, and hazardous material endorsements (HMEs).

In other Texas drivers license news, the bill to move driver's license oversight and administration from the Texas Department of Public Safety to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is progressing and will be heard on the Texas Senate floor this morning.

Drivers' licenses will not be only thing discussed this week. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Pavement Consumption fee bill,we previously reported on will have a hearing in the Texas House Transportation Committee Chaired by Terry Canales of McAllen. Stay tuned next week for an update on these bills.
Regulatory Spotlight
Cylinder Requalification Training Program
Have a new employee or need a refresher on how to requalify propane cylinders? Well, you're in luck, in 2019, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has updated their comprehensive cylinder requalification training program on how to properly requalify cylinders.

Here is what the training covers:
  • General Information on DOT Cylinders
  • DOT Cylinder Markings & Labeling
  • DOT Requalification Requirements
  • Overview of the Requalification Process
  • How to Perform an Inspection on Different Types of Cylinders
  • Disposition of Cylinders After an Inspection
  • Visual Inspection Report
  • Requalification Recordkeeping

The FREE downloadable training program digital bundle includes a 122 page cylinder requalification training book, 162 slide power point with embedded videos or you can purchase a hard copy book with USB through Propane Service Corporation by calling (800)392-0023.
Reminder. You need an RIN # to requalify cylinders. You must renew it every 5 years.
Under the Dome
Texas Clean Vehicle Funding Extension
While there are over 30 bills filed in the Texas Legislature pertaining to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), one piece of legislation is taking the lead, Texas Senate Bill 531, by Senator Birdwell has passed the Senate and quickly was referred to the House Environmental Regulation Committee. The bill would extend TERP funding through 2021, an additional two years.

The propane industry has greatly benefited from the recent expansion of the TERP program in the form of grants for school buses, bobtails, and service trucks.

Sample propane grant amounts recently contracted by TERP include: $5,000 for 1 light duty truck,$9,563.00 for 1 bobtail, $42,701.00 for 1 bobtail, $67,083.00 for 2 bobtails. It's all dependent on the age and weight of the vehicle you are replacing. Older the vehicle, the higher the GVWR, the bigger the payout.

Read the article starting on Page 14 in the April issue of Texas Propane magazine on how you may qualify for a grant.
Events
What's on Tap for TPGA Quarterly Meetings?


May 14-15, 2019
2nd Quarter TPGA Board & Related Committee Meetings
Lone Star Court Hotel at The Domain
10901 Domain Dr
Austin, TX 78758


Join us at the Lone Star Court Hotel at The Domain for the 2nd Quarter TPGA Board & Related Committee Meetings. Come find where we are in Legislative Session & what to expect next!

All members are welcome even if you do not serve on a committee or the board.

May‎ ‎14‎, ‎2019
Complimentary breakfast 7‎:‎01‎ ‎AM-‎8‎:‎30‎ ‎AM 
Legislative Affairs 10‎:‎00‎ ‎AM-‎11‎:‎00‎ ‎AM
Supplier Meeting 11‎:‎15‎ ‎AM-‎12‎:‎15‎ ‎PM 

Lunch on your own 12‎:‎15‎ ‎PM-‎2‎:‎00‎ ‎PM

Scholarship Board ‎2‎:‎15‎ ‎PM-‎3‎:‎15‎ ‎PM
Executive Committee ‎3‎:‎30‎ ‎PM-‎4‎:‎30‎ ‎PM
Finance Committee ‎4‎:‎45‎ ‎PM-‎5‎:‎45‎ ‎PM
Dinner at Maggiano's 7‎:‎00‎ ‎PM-‎9‎:‎30‎ ‎PM


‎May‎ ‎15‎, ‎2019
Complimentary breakfast ‎7‎:‎00‎ ‎AM-‎8‎:‎30‎ ‎AM
TPGA Board ‎9‎:‎00‎ ‎AM-‎11‎:‎30‎ ‎AM
DEADLINE FOR DISCOUNT HOTEL STAY RATE
EXPIRES APRIL 22, 2019.
Fun Fact. The host site for our quarterly meetings is just a stone's throw away (less than a mile walk) to Austin's Uptown entertainment district located in The Domain Northside (on Rock Rose Ave). Meeting attendees in their off time can check boutiques, restaurants & bars (a mini Sixth Street) or stay in and enjoy all the unique amenities of the host property.