TPGA first reported on a proposed fee by way of Texas Senator Charles Schwertner's SB 1728. The bill was introduced due to an interim study conducted by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

As more alternative fuel vehicles drive on Texas roads, there were concerns about how they contribute to the funding of the roads. Currently, Texas uses the gasoline/diesel fuel tax to fund transportation projects; however, with the growing use of AFVs, the revenue from the fuel tax is decreasing, which diminishes the ability to fund road improvements. AFVs use the same roads as gas and diesel-powered vehicles; thus, proponents argue AFV drivers should be subject to pavement consumption fees.

SB 1728 had addressed these concerns by creating an additional fee for alternative fuel vehicles at the time of annual vehicle registration. The Texas Senate bill was killed due to a point of order on the House Floor, but Senator Schwertner amended on to House Bill 3531, a vehicle title bill, in the final weeks of the legislative session in an attempt to get the new fee adopted. However, HB 3531 was challenged and died as well.

The fee would've been between $200-$250 annually per alternative fuel vehicle.

While the legislation did not pass this session, it is likely; this proposal will resurface next session.

Texas Legislators are not the only ones looking for more money for roads. On Capitol Hill, at a recent Senate Finance hearing, one U.S. Senator John Cornyn from Texas asked the committee to reconsider adding an additional fee for commercial trucks to help pay for highways.

Currently, there is a 25 cents per gallon diesel tax that compromises the Highway Trust Fund that pays for our nation's infrastructure. The proposal brought again up by Cornyn would add a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax of an additional 25 cents per mile for commercial vehicles.

Another U.S. Senate Finance committee member said the cost administration could be substantial. Cornyn responded he recognizes that there would be a cost to administration; however, "There is a big hole in the highway fund, and we need to get the money from somewhere," stated Cornyn during the hearing.

Cornyn did say in exchange for paying the vehicle miles traveled tax that they could look out relieving other fees that commercial trucks pay.

The Texas Propane Gas Association will keep members abreast if there is any traction on this informal proposal brought up as a discussion item among Senators during a recent U.S. Senate Finance Committee this month.

The 2017 edition of NFPA 58 adopted this past September adds an entirely new section, Chapter 12 to address over-the-road vehicles fueled by propane. Part of Chapter 12 adds a new requirement for new vehicles powered by autogas.

In Texas, propane vehicles manufactured or converted after September 1, 2020, propane motor fuel tanks are required to have a K15 refilling connection. The NFPA 58 code change is not retroactive.

The K15 is recognized as safer as limits the release of gas upon disconnection.

Unlike older nozzle designs, quick-connect nozzles can be operated with one hand and does not require the user to wear protective eyewear or gloves, making the experience like conventional fueling similar to gasoline and diesel refueling.

To fill new propane vehicles with this new connection, including propane school buses, propane retailers will need a quick-connect refueling nozzle or an adaptor to connect to the K15 quick-connect on newer propane vehicles.

Quick-connect refueling nozzles and adaptors are available at local propane equipment distributors.