Legislation to Address Texas Franchise Law Problem Introduced
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) says it is concerned about inequities in the Texas Tax Code. Currently in the Texas Franchise Tax Code, automotive repair and collision shops owned and operated by new or used car dealerships are taxed at half the rate used to tax independently owned automotive repair businesses doing identical work. The
South Carolina Pre-files Legislation Reflecting Controversial NCOIL Model Crash Parts Act
South Carolina State Sen. David Thomas, R-Seneca has pre-filed legislation mirroring that of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators’ (NCOIL) Model Act Regarding Motor Vehicle Crash Parts and Repair. An amendment to the NCOIL Model Act that equated certified aftermarket crash parts with original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM) failed when considered before the NCOIL Property-Casualty
Delaware Mobile Equipment Repair and Refinishing VOC Regulation Goes into Effect
In early May, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Division of Air and Waste Management proposed language regarding Automobile Repair and Refinishing known as DE 2601. The language revises rules to mandate lower volatile organic compound (VOC) content of both cleaning and coating solvents used to refinish “mobile equipment” or
Bill Creating Patent Exemption for Aftermarket Parts Gaining Co-Sponsors in Congress
Representatives Barney Frank (D-Mass.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Bob Filner (D-Calif.) joined Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) in support of the “Access To Repair Parts Act,” (H.R. 3059), which would create an exception from infringement of design patents for certain component parts used to repair another article of manufacture. Identical legislation has been introduced in
California Governor Vetoes Crash Part Disclosure/Airbag Fraud Bill
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed S.B. 427 on Sept. 24. The legislation, proposed by California State Sen. Negrete McLeod, D-Chino, would increase penalties for failing to repair airbags and require repairers to disclose whether OEM or non-OEM parts are used in a repair. The bill’s language condemned perpetrators of airbag fraud, stating that those who
House Passes Small Business Lending Fund
The House has agreed to the Senate version of “The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010,” H.R. 5297, by a vote of 237-187. The bill originally passed the U.S. House of Representatives June 28, 2010, and then passed in the Senate Sept. 16 by a vote of 61-38 with changes. This legislation creates
Rhode Island Governor Signs Airbag Fraud Prevention Act
Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri has signed SB 2514, the Automobile Airbag Fraud Prevention Act. The act was introduced in February by Sens. Joshua Miller, D-District 28, and David Bates, R-District 32. The new law seeks to combat airbag fraud. The act outlines the actions that would constitute “deceptive trade practices,” including when: •
Bill Aimed at Cutting Off Paint Supply to Unlicensed Shops
A bill introduced in the New York Assembly, AB 9490, targets unlicensed body shops by making it illegal for them to purchase professional automotive refinishes. The bill prohibits suppliers from selling automotive refinish material labeled "for professional use only" unless the purchaser is considered a repair provider under state and local laws. The bill’s purpose
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Crash Part Disclosure/Airbag Fraud Bill Passes California Senate
California S.B. 427, which would increase penalties for failing to repair airbags and require repairers to disclose whether OEM or non-OEM parts are used in a repair, passed the California Senate and now awaits a signature from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bill requires all work done and parts supplied by an automotive repair dealer to
Pennsylvania Legislator Proposes Motor Vehicle Airbag Fraud Prevention Act
Pennsylvania Rep. Matthew Bradford, D-District 70, has introduced a bill to penalize fraudulent practices regarding airbag installation and reinstallation. The legislation includes penalties for those who: (1) install or reinstall, as part of a motor vehicle inflatable occupant restraint system, an object in lieu of an airbag, including a light manipulating system; (2) sell or