TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The Florida legislature adjourned May 3 without passing the model used tire bill developed and supported by the Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Florida Senate Bill 1588 would have made it illegal in Florida to sell a used tire that has less than 1/16-inch tread depth, was visibly damaged, had a defaced Department of Transportation identification number or had been part of a safety recall.
SB 1588 passed two Senate committees and then was added to SB 1132, an omnibus state transportation measure that passed the full Senate. However, the House version of the transportation bill did not contain the language of SB 1588, and the two houses failed to reach agreement on a conciliation package before adjournment.
"RMA is disappointed that Florida did not pass unsafe used tire legislation, but we are encouraged that this consumer safety initiative enjoyed substantial support in the legislature," the association said. It thanked Florida Sen. Greg Evers, R-2nd District, for sponsoring SB 1588.