CAA Releases Update on California Legislative Bills

PublishedFeb. 28, 2023

The California Legislature introduced more than 2,600 new bills this year. Many of these bills are "spot bills," place holders to be amended later with more substantive language.

CAAis still in the process of reviewing all the bills. Below are bills it has highlighted so far. As CAA continues to review the introduced bills and amendments, it will add to the list. CAA will continue to review, monitor and report.

Catalytic Converter Theft

AB 641 - Revises the definition of "automotive dismantler" to include a person who keeps two or more used catalytic converters cut from a vehicle

Florida Governor, Legislative Leaders Push for Reforms Against Frivolous Lawsuits

Written by Andrew Powell, The Center Square
Published Feb. 22, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders want reforms to take on frivolous lawsuits and put a stop to what the governor calls "predatory" practices by trial lawyers.

DeSantis held a news conference in Jacksonville on Feb. 14 with House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, about the proposals, which would eliminate one-way attorney fees and fee multipliers for all lines of insurance, modernize Florida’s "bad faith" law, and put caps on damage claims to protect

Maine Official Certifies ‘Right to Repair’ Signatures

PublishedFeb. 21, 2023

Maine’s Secretary of State office on Feb. 21 certified the Maine Right to Repair coalition has gathered the necessary number of voter signatures qualifying the initiative to be on the ballot this November.

The group of Maine independent repair shop owners, employees and right to repair supporters submitted more than 70,000 voter signatures to the Secretary of State in January. The ...

Federal ‘Right to Repair’ Legislation Reintroduced in Congress

PublishedFeb. 10, 2023

The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act has been reintroduced by U.S. Reps. Neal Dunn, R-FL, Brendan Boyle, D-PA, Warren Davidson, R-OH, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-WA.

The legislation will ensure the preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and the continued safe operation of the nation’s 292 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles, 70% of which are maintained by independent repair facilities.

MEMA Aftermarket, Auto Care Association, CAR (Consumer Access

Encourage Your Representatives to Join the Vehicle Data Access Caucus

PublishedFeb. 10, 2023

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is asking auto repair shops to send a letter to their U.S. House of Representatives members encouraging them to join the newly established Vehicle Data Access Caucus.

The U.S. House of Representatives Vehicle Data Caucus is a bipartisan group formed by U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter, R-GA, and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-FL, to address the issue of vehicle data access.

Carter and Soto are members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which will have jurisdiction for the vehicle data access issue. However, caucus membership is

Virginia House Votes to Repeal Clean Cars Law

Written by Charlie Paullin, Virginia Mercury
Published Feb. 1, 2023

Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation Jan. 25 to repeal a law tying Virginia to California vehicle emissions standards set to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in 2035. 

Along party lines, the House of Delegates voted 52-48 to pass House Bill 1378, carried by Del. Tony Wilt, R-Rockingham. 

Wilt’s bill faces a rocky road in the Senate, where Democrats have killed several Republican bills aimed at the same goal. Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, has said any bill to repeal the California emissions law that comes

California Considers Authorizing Self-Driving Semi-Trucks

Written by Maggie Angst, The Sacramento Bee
Published Jan. 31, 2023

Following years of pleadings from the autonomous vehicle industry, California officials are revisiting a statewide policy that prohibits self-driving semi-trucks and big rigs on its roads. 

Should California regulators decide to open the floodgates, two state legislators are pushing to limit any potential fallout. Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, on Jan. 26 filed new legislation requiring a trained individual behind the wheel in any autonomous vehicle that weighs more than 10,001 pounds. Asm. Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, and Asm. Ash Kalra, D-San Jose,

Auto Thefts Will Be Felonies Regardless of Value of Vehicle in New Colorado Bill

Written by Joe Mueller, The Center Square
Published Jan. 31, 2023

A bipartisan bill introduced in the Colorado Senate would make all automobile thefts felonies and eliminate penalties based on the value of a stolen vehicle.

Senate Bill 23-097, sponsored by Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, was introduced Jan. 30. The duo held a press conference at the capitol and were joined by members of law enforcement, civic leaders and district attorneys in praising the legislation for its support of crime victims.

“Right now, the severity of the penalty for

Manchin’s Bid to Stop Some EVs from Getting $7.5K Tax Credit Blocked by Fellow Democrat

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Jan. 27, 2023

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-MI, successfully opposed a proposal by fellow Democrat, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, to eliminate certain EV models from being eligible for the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) $7,500 tax credit. 

The $430 billion IRA was passed last August. The legislation limits the availability of the program’s $7,500 EV tax credit

Signatures Submitted for 'Right to Repair Act' Initiative in Maine

Written by Nicole Fisher, The Center Square
Published Jan. 25, 2023

The Maine Right to Repair Coalitionsubmitted more than 70,000 signatures on Jan. 19 for a ballot initiative to allow car owners and independent repair facilities to have access to vehicle on-board diagnostic systems.

The initiative targets automobile diagnostic data transmitted wirelessly to vehicle manufacturers. According to the Maine Right to Repair Coalition, more than 90% of new cars are now equipped to wirelessly transmit real-time diagnostic and repair information. However, this information is only available to vehicle manufacturers.

Tim

California to Consider Bills Affecting Auto Repairers

PublishedJan. 25, 2023

It's still early in the California Legislative process, as the deadline to introduce bills is Feb. 17. The California Autobody Association (CAA) released a summary of what has already been introduced for consideration as of Jan. 25, what may be introduced before the deadline and other issues it is monitoring.

SB 55 would prohibit a new or used car dealer from selling a new motor vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter unless the catalytic converter has been engraved or etched with the VIN of the vehicle to which it is attached.

Legislation might be introduced to expand the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Vehicle Safety

Manchin to Introduce Bill to Enforce $7,500 EV Tax Credit Battery Rules

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 25, 2023

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-WV, who was integral in getting the new U.S. tax credit put together and passed, is not happy the original rules aren't being followed. 

He's already voiced concerns about various loopholes, and he wants the U.S. Treasury Department to immediately pause issuing the $7,500 credit to cars that don't comply with guidelines related to battery components and materials.

For those unaware, the Biden Administration revamped the U.S. federal EV tax credit as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the new credit kicked in at

Florida Senate Committee Discusses Possible Fee Hikes on EVs

Written by Andrew Powell, The Center Square
Published Jan. 24, 2023

The Florida Senate Committee of Transportation met in Tallahassee on Jan. 24 to discuss fees to be imposed on Floridians who drive electric vehicles.

The committee was tasked to work out appropriate fees, depending on what type of EV was being used. Battery-only cars would have a higher fee than a hybrid that uses an internal combustion motor in tandem with the battery.

According to Committee Chair Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, legislation has been filed in 31 states over the past three years to impose new registration fees on electric

Tesla Asks for Support of VA Bill to Streamline Showroom Opening Process

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Jan. 24, 2023

Teslais asking for help in a new fight against dealerships, as the automaker is pushing for a Virginia House bill to be passed through a transportation subcommittee Jan. 31.

House Bill 2468 would allow manufacturers who have already gone through administrative hearings in Virginia for new sales locations to open subsequent locations without additional hearings. Tesla called it a “common sense solution” that would save companies and the state time and money.

Tesla is encouraging owners and fans to reach out to the House Transportation Committee members to

Pennsylvania Bill Defrays Charging Station Cost for EV Owners

By Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published Jan. 24, 2023

Electric vehicle owners could see some savings thanks to the state government, but the benefits would flow to the already well-off.

The boost comes in the form of a tax credit, worth up to $2,000, to install an EV charging station or port.

The proposal, Senate Bill 157, is sponsored by Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia.

“While more is being done at both the state and federal levels to make the purchase of EVs more affordable, there are currently no state incentives for the purchase of residential EV charging stations,” Hughes wrote in a legislative memo.

Maine Voters Likely to Decide on ‘Right to Repair’ in November

Written by Caitlin Andrews, The Maine Monitor
Published Jan. 18, 2023

By the time Mainers get their spring tires put on, the waiting room of their local automotive shop might be decorated with political signage.

You might not think who is allowed to repair a vehicle could be a political discussion, but it will be one of the four likely ideological skirmishes waged on the airwaves and roadside signs as Maine gears up for a referendum-heavy year.

Unlike 2021’s bruising campaign over whether Mainers should block Central Maine Power’s hydropower transmission line from Canada from coming through the Kennebec Valley, multiple ballot

Well, That Was Quick: Resolution to Ban EVs in Wyoming Dies in Committee

Written by Kevin Killough, Cowboy State Daily
Published Jan. 17, 2023

A Wyoming Senate resolution to phase out electric vehicles in Wyoming has died.

If it had passed the full Legislature, Senate Joint Resolution 4 would have made it a goal that the sale of new electric vehicles (EV) in the state be phased out by 2035.

It requested that Wyoming industries and residents voluntarily limit their sales and purchases of new EVs.

It failed to gain traction with the Senate Minerals,

Wyoming Moves to Ban Sales of New EVs by 2035

Written by Tom Moloughney, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 16, 2023

Change is hard. Humans are creatures of habit and it's in our nature to avoid change. Transitioning our personal transportation fleet from vehicles that burn fossil fuels to plug-in electric vehicles is going to be a massive undertaking.

And as with all new disruptive technologies, there will be winners and losers, as the old tech is shuttered while the new technology proliferates. The oil and gas industry already knows electric vehicles are poised to replace the internal combustion engine vehicles it caters to, and the demand for its products will radically decrease in the coming years.

But that

GA Legislative Study Committee Endorses Pilot Mileage Tax Program

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Jan. 11, 2023

The Joint Study Committee on the Electrification of Transportation has endorsed the Georgia Department of Transportation’s pilot program taxing motorists based on vehicle miles traveled.

Charging a mileage tax would recoup what state leaders see as a potential loss in revenue via the gas tax. Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, suspended the gas tax to help Georgians counter rising inflation.

So far, the state hasn’t seen much of an impact from not collecting the gas tax, which typically totals about $170 million per month. The state has seen its other revenues

Ohio Gov. Signs Legislation Defining Natural Gas as ‘Green Energy’

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Jan. 9, 2023

The natural gas industry in Ohio has gained a victory of sorts after Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation that allows for a broader expansion of drilling for oil and gas in state parks.

The bill, which has been very controversial, also defines natural gas as a source of “green energy.”

A state law from 2011 provided state agencies with authority to lease out state lands for oil and gas exploration and production projects if they choose to. The legislation, House Bill 507, modifies this language. Instead of saying state agencies “may” lease out state lands for oil

New California Laws Affect Auto Repairers

PublishedJan. 5, 2023

Every year, hundreds of new laws are enacted that impact California automotive repair dealers. Below is a brief summary of some of the key measures, in no particular order, that took effect Jan. 1, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

Minimum Wage Increase

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum wage increased to $15.50 per hour for all employers regardless of size, based on a cost-of-living provision in the state minimum wage law. (SB 3 of 2017). Please note local minimum wage ordinances may be higher.

Catalytic Converter Record Keeping Requirements

This new law requires core recyclers that buy

MN Closes Loophole on Damage Transparency for Used Cars

Written by Mike Moen, Public News Service
Published Jan. 3, 2023

A new Minnesota law took effect Jan. 1 designed to reduce risks for people buying used vehicles. It comes as more Americans lean on the market for previously driven cars.

Industry source Kelley Blue Booksaid the U.S. saw a 10% increase in used-vehicle purchases in 2022.

Prices for those cars have gone up, but so have monthly payments for brand new models---which also have dealt with supply chain issues.

The Minnesota law change gets to the issue of "title washing," which allowed used fixed-up cars with heavy damage in their past to evade a salvage

Survey: Colorado Small-Business Owners Against Increased Taxes, Fees for EV Infrastructure

Written by Joe Mueller, The Center Square
Published Dec. 30, 2022

A survey of Colorado’s small businesses found little support for increasing taxes, fees or assessments to pay for building infrastructure for charging electric vehicles.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Colorado conducted a four-question survey before the Colorado General Assembly begins its legislative session Jan. 9. The research also found small businesses aren’t in favor of Colorado's state agencies considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions with financial

Independent Adjusters Charge Florida Insurers with Doctoring Damage Estimates

Written by William Rabb, Insurance Journal
Published Dec. 29, 2022

Do some Florida property insurance companies hire independent adjusters to inspect property claims, then routinely alter their inspection reports to reduce estimated losses?

Yes, and it’s a widespread and fraudulent practice, according to three adjusters who spoke Dec. 13 at a Florida House of Representatives committee hearing.

“The insurance companies were directing file reviewers to change my estimates to repair the roofs rather than replace a totaled roof,” said Ben Mandell, a licensed all-lines adjuster. “However, the insurer was leaving my

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
Published Dec. 28, 2022

SEMAand PRImust share that despite strong Congressional backing and extraordinary support from the racing community, the 2021–22 Congressional session is ending without passage of the RPM Act.

Key negotiators in Congress could not reach an agreement on bill language that balanced the need for federal law to protect racers and motorsports parts businesses from EPA enforcement with reasonable measures to ensure race parts are not used on vehicles driven on roads and public highways.

The RPM Act made incredible progress in the 2021–22 session of Congress. In addition to more than 1.5 million letters advocating for the RPM Act from the grassroots motorsports community to

New Laws in January Aimed at Addressing Spike in Carjackings, Vehicle Thefts in Illinois

Written by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
Published Dec. 13, 2022

As Illinois continues to deal with vehicle thefts and carjackings, there are new laws that take effect in January aimed at addressing the problem.  

California experienced the highest number of stolen vehicles overall in 2021, with more than 200,000 vehicles taken. The top five states for vehicular crime---California, Illinois, Florida, Colorado and Texas---accounted for 412,008 cars stolen. Those who speculated it was a “pandemic thing” may rethink that notion as the problem continues. 

More than 1,300 carjackings have occurred in the

Connecticut Lawmakers Approve Gas Tax Holiday Extension

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published Dec. 8, 2022

Connecticut motorists will continue to see relief at the pumps after the state Legislature approved an extension of the gas tax holiday until next year.

Meeting in a special session Nov. 28, the Democrat controlled House and Senate approved a proposal to waive the 25 cents per gallon retail tax on gasoline until Dec. 31. The gas tax holiday, which was initially approved in April, was set to expire Nov. 30.

Under the plan, which is backed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, the state will begin to reinstate the tax by five cents a month beginning in January, until it

Labor Rate Bill Fails in MA, but Supporters Hope for Passage in New Session

Written by Dave LaChance, Repairer Driven News
Published Nov. 29, 2022

Although a bill that would have forced insurers to raise Massachusetts’ lowest-in-the-nation auto body labor rate failed to make it into law this year, supporters are expecting the issue to be brought up again in the 2023 legislative session.

The labor rate bill was one of more than 100 outside sections that had been attached to the $3.76 billion economic development bill, all of which were stripped from the

U.S. Senators Introduce Bill to Combat Catalytic Converter Theft Nationwide

PublishedNov. 21, 2022

U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Ron Wyden, D-OR, introduced legislation to combat the rise in catalytic converter theft.

The Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act would ensure law enforcement can more effectively address these thefts by marking each converter with a traceable identification number and establishing converter theft as a criminal offense.

“Throughout the country, we’ve seen an alarming increase in catalytic converter theft. These converters can be easily taken from unattended cars but are difficult and expensive for car owners to replace,” said Klobuchar.

Self-Driving Cars Face Uncertain Path to U.S. Deployment

Written by David Shepardson, Reuters
Published Oct. 31, 2022

Automakers and tech companies face a bumpy road to clearing regulatory roadblocks to deploying autonomous vehicles (AVs) without human controls on public roads, industry officials and lawmakers said.

On Oct. 26, Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG said they would shutter self-driving startup Argo AI, saying the technology was a long way off. The same is true when it comes to rules around the technology as well.

Legislation in Congress has been stalled for more than five years over how to amend regulations to encompass self-driving cars, including the