Power in numbers was demonstrated last Tuesday when the Missouri
Collision Coalition (MCC) made up of Missouri associations AASP of
Missouri, ASA MOKAN and SCRS MOKAN testified at the State Capitol in
Jefferson City. Mo. in support of Senate Bill 775.

According to MCC lobbyist Bob Smith, when Senator LuAnn Ridgeway, vice
chairperson of the Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations
Committee, asked for all those in the room who supported the bill to
stand, the whole room stood with the exception of a small handful of
people.  

The MCC felt S.B. 775 was of great benefit to vehicle owners’
freedom to select a repair facility of their choice. The meeting room
at the Capitol was filled with collision repair professionals
supporting SB775 to the point that there were no seats left for the
opposition to the bill.

Testifying for the collision repairers were Ron Reiling and Steve
White with AASP of Missouri, Ben Steinman with ASA and Smith.  They
defined for the committee what the exact concern was, how often it was
happening and, most importantly, that S.B. 775 was a consumer- friendly
bill which does not limit any company’s program but does assure the
vehicle owner of free choice without interference. In addition, it
provides certain rules for people who have not physically inspected the
vehicle and attempt to change the original estimate.

With the overwhelming presence of people in support and very few in
opposition, plus very positive testimony from Reiling, Steinman,  White
and Smith, the MCC felt there was a positive movement forward for the
bill.

The bill is not out of committee yet and, with the session nearing
completion time, this could be an important factor in whether it has to
be brought back next year.  

“If the bill doesn’t make it out of committee and through the
process this year, it will be reintroduced in 2009,” said Smith. “I
acknowledge the professionalism of the collision repairers and applaud
their willingness to take time from their business to support this
important piece of legislation.”

Smith noted the testimony from both those who support the bill and
those who don’t was spirited but extremely professional. “That can do
nothing but help the consumer and the collision industry,” he said.