I was so intent on getting to work on time today that I forgot to eat breakfast. I did have a cup of coffee, though, so that should hold me off for awhile. Strangely, Tammy the Office Manager and I start off the day with a philosophical discussion on life...
Citing growth in its statewide membership since last year, the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition announced the legislation has been re-filed for the 2011-12 legislative session in Massachusetts. The legislation would provide non-dealership repair shops with access to OEM repair data equal to that of dealerships. The coalition says it...
The House Small Business Committee has held its first hearing in the 112th session of Congress on the 1099 reporting mandate of the new health care law. The reporting mandate would require small businesses to file a 1099 form with the IRS for every vendor they pay more than $600...
Legislation filed by Iowa Sen. Brad Zaun, S.F. 23, calls for a study of the effects of DRPs. This bill requests that the legislative council establish an interim study committee to examine DRPs used by auto insurance companies to have claimants’ vehicles repaired. The study would include a review and...
A bill prohibiting the installation of salvaged airbags, S.B. 48, is being considered by the Maryland Senate. The bill also prohibits the fraudulent sale or installation of airbags and requires specified records to be maintained in connection with the sale or installation of airbags. The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association...
so had an opportunity to spray PPG’s latest innovation in waterborne technology – its new waterborne clearcoat. PPG is the first major paint manufacturer to globally launch a waterborne clearcoat. The clear looked phenomenal on our panels. But it wasn’t all fun and games. We got some serious classroom time...
The Maine Legislature is considering a bill stating that insurers providing rental vehicle reimbursement coverage may not require an insured to use or not use a particular rental vehicle company or rental vehicle company location. It also establishes disclosure requirements when insurers process a claim or write motor vehicle insurance....
A bill introduced in the New York Senate, S. 1949, would extend to repairers a broad range of new requirements for estimates. The bill, which its authors say is meant to curb "unnecessary car repairs," would impose extensive and detailed requirements upon repairers, requiring them to disclose more detailed information...
U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, has introduced H.R. 164 directing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require greater disclosure of information relating to the market value and safety of damaged motor...
U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Judiciary Committee chairman, announced in a recent speech that patent reform, online piracy and counterfeiting, and the repeal of the antitrust exemption for health insurers would be his top priorities this coming year. With regard to McCarran-Ferguson Act repeal, Leahy said he will continue to...
