The Massachusetts Auto Body Labor Rate Bill, H.B. 1085, is one signature away from approval. Governor Deval Patrick has until July 13 to sign the bill, which is attached to the state’s Budget Conference Report.
The bill – which was introduced in January of 2007 by the Massachusetts chapter of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP MA/RI) and the Central Massachusetts Auto Rebuilders Association (CMARA) and sponsored by State Rep. Robert Spellane (D-Worcester) – calls for a special commission that would study the way labor rates are set and investigate the benefits and costs of developing a rate-setting system, including a shop rating system, average national rates and using a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLR) multiplier based on Massachusetts labor wages. The commission would also look into the number of existing shops in the state and the number that have closed since 2000. This bill also requires the commission to hold at least two public hearings and file a report that includes legislative or regulatory recommendations by Dec. 31.
If Gov. Patrick approves the bill, the commission will consist of three representatives from the collision industry – two will be appointed by AASP MA/RI and one from MSADA – three insurance industry representatives and five state legislators. The state secretary of consumer affairs and business regulation would select the commission’s chairperson.
For more information, visit www.passthelaborratebill.org. Click HERE to view our previous story on the bill.
