The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) has three initiatives it intends to pursue during the 2008 legislative session.

AASP-MN has developed a shop licensing proposal for collision repair shops. Before the bill is formally introduced, Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) and Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) will ask the Department of Public Safety to determine precisely whether the fee structure proposed in the AASP-MN bill will cover the expense of administering the licensing program.

AASP-MN is also renewing its legislative effort to prohibit insurance companies from owning repair shops. The association drafted legislation in 2005 that would have established this prohibition. At that time, Allstate was appealing the Federal District Court upholding of the Texas law that prohibits insurers from owning repair shops. Last year, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Texas law. With that ruling, AASP-MN decided to renew its legislative effort.

AASP-MN is also preparing to introduce legislation this year that will specifically prohibit insurance companies from manipulating estimating database information. The new prohibitions will make it illegal to modify any published manual relating to auto body repairs; fail to use a manual or system in its entirety in the appraisal of a motor vehicle; or refuse to compensate an auto body shop for documented charges identified through systems for paint and refinishing materials in repair claims.

For more information, visit www.aaspmn.org.