CAWA Lobbies California Legislators on Business and Industry Issues
Members of the California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) met in Sacramento to actively lobby the California Legislature to ensure no laws are passed that harm a robust and competitive independent automotive aftermarket industry and to highlight important legislative and regulatory proposals impacting aftermarket businesses. CAWA members met at the state capitol on March 26 with
Insurance Groups Rally Against California Legislation
Three insurance associations are urging California consumers to vote against Senate Bill 1167, anti-steering legislation introduced by Sen. Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa). The American Insurance Association (AIA), Personal Insurance Federation of California (PIFC), and Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC) have created a Web site – www.caautobodychoice.com – that allows Californians to directly contact their
U.S. House Considers Patent Law Exemption Legislation
The U.S. House of Representatives has introduced new legislation aimed to create an exemption in the U.S. patent law to enable the production of aftermarket automobile parts. H.R. 5638, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), creates an exception from infringement for certain component parts used to repair another article of manufacture. The bill has been
Bill Would Establish National Insurance Agent Licensing
Reps. David Scott (D-Ga.) and Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) have introduced H.R. 5611, the National Association of Registered Agents & Brokers Reform Act (NARAB II). The bill aims to modernize the current system of insurance agent licensing as it applies to those who are registered in multiple states. If passed, H.R. 5611 will establish the National
Minnesota House Committee Approves Estimating System Legislation
The Minnesota House Commerce and Labor Committee approved legislation in March that would require an insurer to use an estimating system in its entirety when appraising a damaged vehicle. The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee considered a companion to House File 3822, Senate File 3508, in March as well, but the committee took no
FAIA and QPC Lobby Florida Legislators on Aftermarket Parts
The Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) and the Florida Automotive Industry Association (FAIA) met with Florida state legislators to discuss aftermarket parts in the collision industry, urging state legislators to take their message to the federal level. FAIA and QPC maintain that allowing the car companies to enforce their design patents in the secondary market would
California Senate Hears Anti-Steering Legislation, Introduces Capping Bill
The Collision Repair Association of California’s (CRA) two sponsored bills, Senate Bills 1059 and 1167, were heard by the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance and Insurance on April 2, coinciding with CRA’s Legislative Day. The CRA says insurers successfully convinced the California Chamber of Commerce to oppose S.B. 1167, which mandates that once a vehicle
Rhode Island Bill Would Prohibit Deductible Rebates
The Rhode Island House is considering a bill that would prevent shops from rebating or offering to rebate a customer’s deductible to entice the customer to choose a particular shop. State Rep. Timothy A. Williamson (D-West Warwick) introduced House Bill 7994 on Feb. 28. If enacted, violations would be grounds for denial, suspension or revocation
Ohio Body Shop Owners Association Pushes Consumer Education, Quality Repairs
It was just a low-key meeting at a Mexican restaurant, but the subject matter was anything but low-key. Members of the Ohio Body Shop Owners Association (OBOA) met March 10 in Oregon, Ohio, to discuss their latest consumer education ad campaign and also to go over some legislative strategies aimed at countering what they believe
Iowa Senate Introduces Collision Repair Parts Bills
The Iowa Senate is considering a bill that would bar insurers from requiring repairers to buy parts and supplies from specified sellers. Sen. Steve Warnstadt (D-Sioux City) introduced Senate File 2326, which addresses shops that perform repairs on behalf of the insurer to the property of an insured. The bill defines such requirements of insurers
New York Senate Introduces Right to Repair Bill
New York legislators introduced Senate Bill 7001, a companion to a right to repair bill under consideration in the Assembly (House Bill 5817). Similar to the federal legislation, the state bill would mandate that car companies share with independent repair shops the same service information, software and tools that they provide their new car dealer