Nevada Passes Total-Loss Bill, Expands Advisory Board on Automotive Affairs
The Nevada Collision Industry Association announced that Assembly Bill 204, which amended a previous total-loss bill, and Senate Bill 238, aimed at expanding the Advisory Board on Automotive Affairs, passed. Prior to A.B. 204 passing, repair costs for damaged vehicles in Nevada could not exceed 65 percent of the car’s actual value with some exemptions.
Auto Glass Anti-Steering Bill Stalls in New York
The New York legislative session came to a close last week with no action taken on S.B. 2144, which would have prohibited insurers from recommending auto glass shops unless requested. The bill, introduced in January, was referred to the state’s insurance committee and never voted on. The bill would have "prohibit[ed] an insurer from recommending
Connecticut House Fails to Act on Anti-Steering Bill
The Connecticut House of Representatives concluded its legislative session last week without taking action on H.B. 5283, a bill that would have required insureds to disclose the insured’s right to choose where auto repair or replacement work will be performed. The bill stated that an insurance company, agent or adjuster must not: • Require any
Nevada Set to Become 34th State to Ban Texting While Driving
The Nevada Senate approved S.B. 140 on May 31. If Gov. Brian Sandoval signs it, Nevada will become the 34th state to ban texting while driving. The legislation considers texting behind the wheel a primary offense, meaning police can stop drivers solely for texting violations. First-time offenders could face a $50 fine, while second-time offenders
Vehicle Disclosure, Replacement Crash Parts Consent Made a Priority by ASA Collision Leaders on Capitol Hill
Automotive Service Association (ASA) collision leaders included vehicle disclosure legislation and replacement crash parts notice and consent among top issues discussed recently on Capitol Hill. ASA members expressed support for H.R. 164, the “Damaged Vehicle Information Act,” proposed by U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight
Georgia Auto Repair Tax Bill Still Alive
Georgia H.B. 388, which aims to create a sales tax on services of many small businesses, is still alive in the Georgia Legislature. The bill would place additional tax burdens on automotive maintenance, repair, auto body repair, equipment installation services, brake repair, oil changes, motor tune-ups, and engine repair and replacement, among others, according to
Hangin’ with the Pit Bulls
By Jason Stahl I had no idea that members of NASCAR pit crews were so physically fit. "One exercise we do is the equivalent of climbing straight up a 1,500-foot wall," says Mike Lingerfelt, the front tire changer for the 3M "Pit Bulls" and the No. 16 driver Greg Biffle. Lingerfelt also told me that
Hawaii Governor Vetoes Bill that Weakened State Vehicle Safety Inspection Program
Hawaii State Gov. Neil Abercrombie has vetoed legislation that would dilute the state’s Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program by exempting vehicles from testing for their first two to three years. Hawaii Senate Bill 1416 was originally introduced by Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-14. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) says it opposed these proposed changes to
Florida Shop Licensing Program Survives Deregulation Efforts
Language in Florida H.B. 5005, “Deregulations of Professions and Occupations,” which would repeal Florida’s law requiring the registration of motor vehicle repair shops, the Motor Vehicle Repair Advisory Council and the regulation of motor vehicle repair, has been omitted in a budget conference report. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) organized a grassroots effort in Florida
ASA Testifies at Texas Franchise Tax Law Hearing
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) testified before the House Ways and Means Committee of the Texas General Assembly in Austin, Texas, about an inequity in the current Texas Franchise Tax code. In her testimony, Denise Caspersen, ASA’s Collision Division manager, discussed the association’s support for Texas House Bill 429, a bill introduced by Rep. Allen