In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger, TPGA showcases several details of our upcoming 2021 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference. Escape to the coast with us this August! Check out our Top Story of the morning for the convention & expo schedule and details.
Also, in this Messenger, find a link to the
May 2021 issue of Texas Propane magazine. This is your go-to guide for even more information on the convention expo.
There is only less than a month left in the Texas Legislative Session, but amendments and new versions of bills pop up even as we draw closer to the end of the session. Check out as we highlight a new fast-moving Texas Senate Bill that now includes a propane provision.
It's been a unique 14 months, but as COVID cases are going down and more vaccinations are occurring, many of the compliance waivers that were in place are ending. In this issue of the Messenger, we update you on the medical card waiver that will be ending soon and how you can update your cards and check and see if the DPS got yours or your driver's updated medical card.
Check out our Quick Links section for some important reminders and links, including more information on completing the annual Sales of Propane survey, access to the TPGA store, link to our Texas scholarship application page, as well as quick access to propane appliance rebates from the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT).
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In this issue
- In Brief
- An Event Not to Miss
-
May Texas Propane magazine
- First Look: TX SB 1876
- Medical Card Update
- Quick Links
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Calendar
May 10, 2021
May 10-28, 2021
May 13, 2021
May 31, 2021
TPGA & RRC
Closed Memorial Day
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
June 4, 2021
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Escape to Corpus This Summer
Join TPGA for 2021
Crossroads Convention & Expo
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We will again be returning to Sparkling City by the Sea, Corpus Christi, TX,
Don't miss out on this opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, engage with fellow industry professionals, attend industry training, and shop from an array of amazing products and services at the expo.
Exhibitors include insurance providers, bobtail & transport truck dealers, wholesalers, equipment distributors, tank manufacturers & refurbishers, tank monitoring, software providers as well as web & social media marketing firms.
SCHEDULE
August 12, 2021
PERC Training Class 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
US DOT PHMSA Common Propane Violations 4:30 PM-5:30 PM
August 13, 2021
Golf Tournament 8:00 AM-1:30 PM
Welcome Reception 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
August 14, 2021
Expo includes lunch 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
includes exhibitors, regulatory pavilion, silent auction, and Kendra Scott pop-up
President's Cocktail Reception 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Gala/Annual Business/Board 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Register NOW! to take advantage of early-bird pricing & save.
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Exhibitors also experience early bird pricing. If you are an exhibitor, don't wait, nab your space, before your favorite space is GONE! Booths that are numbered in #200's on the EXPO MAP are 10 X 10's; #300's are 10 X 20 (only 2 left); #400's are 20 X 30 (going fast); and #500's 20 X 60 (1 left). |
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Book your hotel room now! |
Hotel rooms typically sell out! Our host hotel, the Omni Corpus Christi is located in the lively marina district.
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May Texas Propane magazine |
The May issue of Texas Propane magazine has mailed. Check out even more information about the upcoming 2021 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference as well as some of the awesome attractions in Corpus Christi, TX. The issue also includes photos from the March board meeting. An online version is also available. |
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Stay tuned for each upcoming issues of Texas Propane magazine to get updates throughout the summer leading up to the conference and expo. |
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Propane Added to Texas Senate Emergency Preparedness Bill |
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With power grid failure this past winter, millions were without power. During emergencies like winter storms, many end-stage renal disease facilities (ESRD)/ dialysis centers are closed, leaving patients with a lack of access to needed dialysis care.
Texas Senate Bill 1876 by Miles would require end-stage renal disease facilities to adopt a written emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan.
Recently, the Texas Senate Health & Human Service Committee met to consider the bill's expansion and introduced a new version of the bill (a committee substitute).
The committee substitute states that these facilities can meet part of the contingency plan's requirements by having a generator. An end-stage renal disease facility that adopts an emergency contingency plan with a generator option per the bill is not required to maintain an on-site fuel source if the facility's on-site emergency generator uses propane with a dedicated fuel supply. For generators using fuel sources other than LPG, the facilities must have 24 hours of fuel stored on the property.
A generator is one option, but they also can contract with a renal facility within 100 miles with an alternate power source as another compliance option.
The bill endorsed by the renal disease association and Texas Hospital Association is now moving at lightning speed. Last week, the Senate committee substitute was reported favorably from committee, approved on the Texas Senate floor, and was referred to House Committee on Public Health all within 24 hours.
The Texas Propane Gas Association will continue to keep its members up to date on the progression of this legislation.
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Medical Card Waiver Finally Ending
Don't Get Downgraded
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Through a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) waiver adopted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the requirement to update medical cards was waived for medical cards that expired on or after December 1, 2020. The waiver is now ending!
If your medical card expired on or after December 1, 2020, you only have until May 31, 2021, to send the Texas Department of Public Safety an updated medical card.
The CDL will become not certified if an updated medical certificate is not received by June 1, 2021.
If a medical certificate is not received within 60 days after the not-certified status, a downgrade will occur.
CDL holders who have an updated medical certificate may submit it to DPS by email to CDLMedCert@dps.texas.gov or by fax to 512-424-2002.
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SALES OF PROPANE SURVEYS
ARE DUE TO PERC BY MAY 31ST
COMPLETE SO TEXAS GETS
FAIR SHARE OF FUNDING
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SHOP HUNDREDS OF COMPLIANCE & BUSINESS RELATED ITEMS
AT PROPANE SERVICE CORP
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DID YOU KNOW GRANDKIDS
CAN APPLY FOR THE
TPGA SCHOLARSHIP?
DEADLINE IS June 1, 2021
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DID YOU KNOW
REBATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR NEW PROPANE WATER HEATERS
& PROPANE FURNACES?
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