On Feb. 7, the Missouri House Transportation Committee held a hearing to address House Bill (HB) 1444, which would repeal Missouri’s vehicle safety inspection program.

During the hearing, proponents of HB 1444 cited consumer expense and overall inconvenience as justification for the legislation. They also claimed a lack of evidence as to the program preventing accidents, injuries and deaths, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA), which opposes the bill.

Ben Steinman, ASA-Midwest member and owner of Ben’s Auto Body in Mexico, Mo., gave testimony supporting the program, along with representatives from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, AAA and other organizations.

“There is no doubt that this bill would increase the safety risk of driving in Missouri,” Steinman said. “I see vehicles in my shop daily that are unsafe to operate on the highways. If this bill passes, I would be very concerned about the safety of my family and, for that matter, all motorists on our roadways.”

ASA encourages all interested parties in Missouri to visit TakingTheHill.com and click “Alerts” to contact their state representatives in opposition.