IPO Fails to Endorse Repair Clause Legislation
The Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Association sent a letter to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office director John Dudas indicating that they did not support new legislation that would create an exemption for design patent infringement liability for component parts (also known as a "repair clause") used to repair automobiles and other articles of manufacture (H.R.
ASA Asks Massachusetts Legislature to Stop Right to Repair Legislation
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is asking Massachusetts repairers to contact their legislators about opposing the Right to Repair Act, Massachusetts H.B. 4892. ASA said that "legislation using government agencies and the courts is unnecessary to ensure independent repairers have access to the same service information that is available to dealers." The ASA-Automaker voluntary agreement
Insurance Information Act Moves Forward
The Insurance Information Act of 2008, HR 5840, was recommended for passage by a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on Wednesday. The bill, introduced in April, would create a federal-level Office of Insurance Information within the Department of the Treasury that would provide legislators with expertise and guidance on insurance issues and recommend how the
CARSTAR Super’Stang at Goodguys PPG Nationals This Weekend
CARSTAR’s Super’Stang, a rebuilt 1967 Mustang touring the country to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, will be featured at the Ohio Expo Center on July 11 through 13, joining more than 6,000 hot rods at the 11th Goodguys PPG Nationals. The Goodguys PPG Nationals features hot rods, customs, muscle cars and trucks from 1972
Massachusetts Auto Body Labor Rate Bill Goes to Governor
The Massachusetts Auto Body Labor Rate Bill, H.B. 1085, is one signature away from approval. Governor Deval Patrick has until July 13 to sign the bill, which is attached to the state’s Budget Conference Report. The bill – which was introduced in January of 2007 by the Massachusetts chapter of the Alliance of Automotive Service
Breaking Away
It was evident by the way CARSTAR CEO Dick Cross bypassed the stairs to the stage and leapt up onto it instead that this year’s annual CARSTAR conference was going to be a high-energy affair. The leader of the largest group of independently owned and operated auto body repair stores in North America couldn’t have
Legislative Lowdown
California – California Senate Bill 1059, which would have made it unlawful for any insurer to require the installation of an aftermarket part for the first three years of the vehicle’s life as well as restrict the ability of insurers to replace a part with a lower priced replacement part during this same three-year period,
ASA Urges Michigan Repairers to Contact State Senators About Mini-Tort Law
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is urging independent automotive repairers in Michigan to contact their state senators in response to the proposed increase of the mini-tort law to $1,500, allowing drivers to seek more damages from at-fault motorists after a crash. State Rep. Tim Melton introduced the proposal, Michigan H.B. 5838, in February. The bill
Connecticut Governor Signs Anti-Steering Bill
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill that will require disclosure to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles in the state. House Bill 5152 (now Public Act No. 08-146), which will go into effect January 1, 2009, will require insurance companies
Legislative Lowdown
Federal – 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