U.S. House of Representatives Passes Regulatory Reform Bill

Written by the SEMA D.C. Office
Published June 20, 2023

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SEMA-supported Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023. If enacted into law, H.R. 277 would require Congress to approve any regulation with an estimated annual economic impact of $100 million or more before it could take effect.

The REINS Act would reassert Congress' legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process. It would require every new "major rule" proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect.

MA Senators Want Explanation from NHTSA on Right to Repair Letter Sent to Automakers

PublishedJune 16, 2023

U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, who both represent Massachusetts, on June 15 sent a letter to federal officials asking for an explanation of the letter sent earlier the same week to automakers, telling them not to comply with the state’s recently enacted Right to Repair law.

The letter was addressed to U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg and National Highway Traffic

NHTSA Tells Automakers Not to Comply with Massachusetts’ Right to Repair Law

PublishedJune 14, 2023

The National Highway and Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) on June 13 sent a letter to 22 automakers, telling them not to comply with a Right to Repair law recently enacted in Massachusetts, citing "significant safety concerns."

"While NHTSA has stressed that it is important for consumers to continue to have the ability to choose where to have their vehicles serviced and repaired, consumers must be afforded choice in a manner that does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety," the NHTSA said in the letter.

The law requires automakers to allow access to their vehicles' data, so owners can get

Federal Right to Repair Legislation Receives Landslide of Support

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, CAR Coalition and SEMAare applauding a new group of bipartisan cosponsors of the REPAIR Act (H.R. 906), which will ensure choice, fairness and safety in the vehicle repair market.

Originally ...

Colorado Hikes EV Tax Credit to $5,000 On Top of $7,500 Federal Credit

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published June 1, 2023

Colorado will soon become the state with the most generous EV tax credits in the U.S., offering electric vehicle buyers a $5,000 credit that can be stacked with up to $7,500 in federal incentives.

The Colorado legislature passed several bills in May designed to help accelerate the adoption of cleaner transportation, complementing the Inflation Reduction Act and American Recovery Act to incentivize consumers to buy new electric vehicles and home appliances.

Gov. Jared Polis signed HB23-1272, which not only increases and extends the state EV tax credit

Judge Denies Automakers' Request to Block Right to Repair Law in MA

PublishedMay 31, 2023

Massachusetts' Right to Repair Law will go into effect June 1, after a federal judge on May 30 denied a motion by an automaker-backed trade group to block it until a final decision has been issued in a case brought by the trade group after state voters approved the law in 2020.

The trade group, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, had filed the motion May 25 asking U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock to stop Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell from enforcing the Right to Repair law. Campbell announced in March she would take action to implement the law beginning June 1,

States' Legislatures Adapt to EVs

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
PublishedMay 30, 2023

As President Joe Biden’s administration wants 50% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, some states are pushing bills to subsidize the industry.

In an analysis of state legislatures by The Center Square staff, actions so far this year in multiple states offer recognition to the emergence of the industry---whether trying to make up tax revenue shortfalls or simply boosting the move away from gas and diesel automobiles.

There is a bill pending and expected to become law in Illinois that would join others passed in Tennessee and Texas. Virginia's attempt to break away

Automakers Seek to Block Enforcement of MA Right to Repair Law 

PublishedMay 30, 2023

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing automakers, on May 26 asked a federal judge to stop Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell from enforcing a Right to Repair law originally approved by the state's voters in November 2020.

Campbell ...

Maryland Calibration Consumer Protection Law Enacted

Written by Seth Maiman, AGSC Director of Public Affairs
Published May 17, 2023

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on May 8 signed the state’s new auto glass calibration rules into law. The new law, which was passed by the legislature in April, goes into effect Oct. 1.

In 2021, Maryland passed an auto glass safety law, which mirrors the AGRSS Standard, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration is working on an update to the state safety standard that would incorporate the 2022 AGRSS Standard update and the new 2023 calibration law into the current regulations.

The new calibration law will require glass shops to inform customers,

ASA Calls on Texas Legislature to Oppose Bill to Eliminate Vehicle Inspections

PublishedMay 17, 2023

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) called on the Texas State Senate to oppose House Bill 3297, which would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection program for non-commercial vehicles.

On May 15, the State Affairs Committee passed HB 3297 on an 8-3 vote. However, earlier in this legislative session, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee rejected SB 684---a similar bill---by a vote of three in favor and five against.

Research, including a study commissioned by the legislature in 2017, unequivocally demonstrated regular testing of a vehicle’s tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and

Texas House Passes ‘Fair Appraisal’ Bill, Sends to Senate

PublishedMay 16, 2023

After the Texas House on May 9 passed a bill establishing a fair appraisal process for damaged cars, the state Senate will now consider it.

Texas Watch and the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) are asking residents to support HB 1437 and its companion bill in the Senate, SB 554, and to ask their representatives in the Legislature to do the same.

With less than two weeks left in the session, the organizations are giving it their all to get the bills across the finish line.

The bills make fair auto appraisal mandatory in Texas auto policies, ABAT said. HB 4194 makes clear rules for appraisal so

Bronx Lawmakers Want to Bring Auto Repair Shop Oversight

Written by John Whittaker, Post-Journal
Published May 16, 2023

A pair of New York state senators want to bring more oversight of local car repair shops---including allowing a history of parking violations or other complaints to be part of the ability to register cars or receive a state license to operate.

Sen. Gustavo Rivera, D-Bronx, and Sen. Luis Sepulveda, D-Bronx, have introduced S.5936 to amend the state Vehicle and Traffic Law to create a system in which motor vehicle and repair shops are overseen by a commissioner to make sure they are operating legally. Companion legislation (A.6951) has been introduced by

Maine Collision Repairers Lobby for ‘Right to Repair’ Law

PublishedMay 11, 2023

Auto body shop owners came to the Maine State House on May 9 to show support for a bill that would give independent repairers access to new vehicles’ repair and diagnostic information, so owners can decide where to get those vehicles fixed when needed.

The Maine Right to Repair coalition gathered more than 70,000 signatures in support of the bill, which were certified in February, allowing the question to go to the voters on the ballot in November if the Legislature does not pass the bill first.

“This is about the ability to choose where you get your car repaired,” said Tommy Hickey, director of the

Catalytic Converter Thefts Nationwide Surge More Than 200%

PublishedMay 11, 2023

A new report based on insurance claims data released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) shows a surge in catalytic converter thefts across the country. In total, the nation experienced more than 64,000 catalytic converter thefts in 2022---a 207% increase from 2021.

Leading the country are California and Texas, which experienced more than 32,000 catalytic converter thefts last year.

"This new data is just a snapshot of an underreported crime that affects communities across the nation," said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB. "While a catalytic converter can be removed in just a few

8 New Bipartisan Co-Sponsors Support REPAIR Act

PublishedApril 26, 2023

The CAR Coalition, MEMA Aftermarket, Auto Care Association and SEMAare applauding a new group of bipartisan cosponsors of the federal REPAIR Act (H.R. 906), which will ensure choice, fairness and safety in the vehicle repair market.

In addition to original sponsor U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-FL, and co-sponsors Reps. Brendan Boyle, D-PA, Warren Davidson, R-OH, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-WA, eight additional members have signed on in support of the REPAIR Act: Reps. Zoe Lofgren, D-CA, Glenn Thompson, R-PA,

ABPA Opposes Texas Bill That Would Restrict Use of Alternative Replacement Parts

PublishedApril 7, 2023

On March 27, the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) submitted opposition to Texas Senate Bill 1083 (2023), which will adversely affect Texas drivers as it would establish a 36-month restriction against the use of alternative parts including aftermarket, recycled, remanufactured and refurbished parts when OEM repair procedures are mandated.

The ABPA is against any repair procedure that encourages monopolistic behavior that would solely benefit the OEM manufacturer, as this would further burden the consumer.

Based on the language of the bill, Texas vehicle owners will be given the false

Bill Proposes Increasing Transition of Maine’s State Vehicles to Alternative Energy

Written by Dave Fidlin, The Center Square
Published April 7, 2023

A small fraction of Maine’s approximately 3,770 state-owned vehicles are powered by electricity and other alternative forms.

Newly introduced legislation touted as a lynchpin in Maine’s continued steps toward climate-friendly policy would change the data point in the immediate years ahead.

On March 31, state Sen. Ben Chipman, D-Portland, went before the Legislature’s Committee on State and Local Government and discussed Legislative Document 655, a bill he is sponsoring and is aimed at combating carbon emissions.

While Maine’s

Texas Senate Transportation Committee Kills Vehicle Inspection Bill

PublishedMarch 31, 2023

The Texas Senate Transportation Committee rejected legislation that would have eliminated Texas’ vehicle safety inspection program.

Senate Bill (SB) 684’s committee substitute failed by a vote of three in favor and five against.

Research clearly demonstrates regular testing of a vehicle’s tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and beams, seat belts and airbag systems plays a critical role in preventing many injuries and deaths.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA)appreciates State Sens. Royce West, Carol Alvarado, Sarah Eckhardt,

CAR Coalition Applauds Attorneys General for Supporting SMART and REPAIR Acts

PublishedMarch 28, 2023

The CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, a growing group of independent automotive parts and repair companies, associations and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, is commending a bipartisan letter from 28 state attorneys general urging lawmakers to approve bipartisan legislation protecting consumer rights in the post-collision auto repair market.

Specifically, the attorneys general are urging key members of Congress to advance the ...

CAA: Replacement Tire Efficiency Regulations Should Not Include Auto Body Shops

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
Published March 23, 2023

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is in the process of creating new regulations to require all tire retailers---including auto body shops---to post signs and provide disclosures to consumers purchasing replacement tires. The California Autobody Association (CAA) is concerned and is requesting the CEC provide an exemption for auto body and collision shops beginning April 1, 2025.

Should these regulations include body

Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act Reintroduced

Published March 23, 2023

A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives has reintroduced the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act, which aims to empower consumers to choose quality, safe and affordable aftermarket car parts, while respecting the intellectual property rights of automakers.

The CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, a growing group of independent automotive parts and repair companies, associations and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, applauds U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-CA-48, chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property

Illinois Bill Would Ban Video Calls While Driving

Written by Glenn Minnis, The Center Square
Published March 15, 2023

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is leading the charge in pushing for legislation that would ban the use of Zoomand other video chat equipment while driving.

“We need to take steps to change the culture surrounding distracted driving, which will lead to more responsible drivers and ultimately save lives,” Giannoulias said in a news release. “Zooming takes hands, eyes and minds off the focus of driving. Our goal is that a combination of increased education, stronger laws and tougher enforcement will encourage drivers to change bad behaviors for the

Maryland Commits to 2035 Ban on New Gas Vehicle Sales

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published March 14, 2023

The State of Maryland followed in the footsteps of California on March 13 by banning all new gas vehicle sales by the model year 2035.

Maryland’s Air Quality Control Advisory Council unanimously voted to approve a regulation to implement California’s vehicle emissions standards, which have specific goals for a certain percentage of new vehicle sales be emission-free.

Maryland laws already exist that require the state to match California’s vehicle emissions programs. Maryland aligned with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) vehicle standards in 2011, one of 17 states in the U.S. to

NC Democrats Push New Home Construction Building Code to Accommodate EVs

Written by Victor Skinner, The Center Square
Published March 13, 2023

North Carolina’s forced transition to electric vehicles helped boost registrations by 54% in 2022, and even still, the transportation mode is still less than 1% of total registrations.

The Old North State has a long road ahead to meet Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s goal of 1.25 million EVs by 2030. House Democrats nonetheless want to require new homes to accommodate the trend.

For context, North Carolina would need to add more than 170,000 electric vehicle registrations per year over the next seven years to meet the 1.25 million registration goal.

Massachusetts Attorney General to Enforce Right to Repair Law

PublishedMarch 9, 2023

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is moving forward, despite the lack of a decision by a federal court, with implementing the Right to Repair law passed by the state’s voters in 2020.

On March 7, Campbell filed a “notice of intent to terminate non-enforcement stipulation” as of June 1, meaning she will take action to implement the law.

The Attorney General’s Office had suspended enforcement of the law pending the results of the court case, which has been repeatedly delayed for more than two years.

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition thanked Campbell for her

Washington State House Votes More Funds to Combat Auto Theft

By Jeremy Lott, The Center Square
Published March 8, 2023

On March 7, the same day the Washington state House of Representatives refused to consider a bill that could reform the state's police pursuit law, it approved a bill making more funds available for local law enforcement to deal with auto thefts.

"Statewide auto thefts have increased by 93% since the summer of 2021," said Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, chief sponsor of the bill after it cleared the chamber.

House Bill 1682 was approved by the House on March 7 by a vote of 94-1. Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, was the only representative to vote

Midwest U.S. Senators Renew Push for Year-Round E15 Fuel Use

Written by Kim Jarrett, The Center Square
Published March 7, 2023

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators from several Midwestern states is asking the Biden administration again to allow the sale of E15 fuel throughout the year.

The Environmental Protection Agency bans the sale of gasoline mixed with 15% ethanol during the summer months. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, and 16 other senators said in a letter to the administration the prohibition should be removed as soon as possible.

"Taking early action on E15 will send timely and necessary signals across the energy supply chain so that fuel producers and retailers will have the certainty

Mississippi Bill Aiming to Restrict EV Direct Sales Passes Senate

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published March 3, 2023

Electric vehicle makers may find it harder to open new company-owned stores in Mississippi in the future.

Following a nearly two-hour debate among lawmakers, House Bill 401 passed through the Senate by a vote of 38-14. The bill is now on its way to Gov. Tate Reeves’ desk.

House Bill 401 is controversial. If it does get signed into law, electric vehicle makers like Tesla, Rivianand Lucidwould be mandated to sell their vehicles through a franchised dealership. EV makers today typically sell their cars through company-owned

New Jersey Moves to Ban New Gasoline-Powered Car Sales After 2035

Written by Sean Tucker, Kelley Blue Book
Published March 2, 2023

New Jersey will become the sixth U.S. state to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars after 2035. The state joins California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Washington in taking the step.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a series of executive orders intended to help the state shift to “100% clean energy by 2035.” One of the measures “initiates the process” of adopting California’s Advanced Clean Cars II mandate, which will require all cars and light trucks to be emissions-free by 2035.

...

Auto Theft Bill Advances in Colorado Senate

Written by Joe Mueller, The Center Square
Published Feb. 28, 2023

A bill making all auto thefts felonies was praised by law enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, mayors and victims before it was voted out of Colorado’s Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 27.

Senate Bill 23-097 also would eliminate penalties based on the value of the stolen vehicle. It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“A colleague said to me earlier today this was a message bill,” said Sen.