The Collision Repair Association of California (CRA) has expressed
concern over last-minute amendments added to Assembly Bill 2825 that
would require all collision repairers to attach copies of parts
invoices on all final bills given to their customers.
"The amendments duplicate existing law while requiring that all
invoices from the distributor or manufacturer for crash parts of $50 or
more be attached to the customer’s final invoice," said Richard
Steffen, lobbyist for the CRA. "In other words, the customer would know
how much you’ve marked up the cost of crash parts. If you fail to
attach invoices, you could be charged with fraud."
The Assembly’s view of the bill is that the intent of the proposed
law is to prevent consumers from becoming victims of the illegal
practice of "parts switching." The bill, however, doesn’t address
mechanical parts that may be hidden from view and only requires
invoices for crash parts. It would also require the invoice to specify
if any used, rebuilt, remanufactured or reconditioned parts were used.
May 30 is the deadline for passage of the bill, which the CRA opposes.
If the blll is passed, it will come into effect Jan. 1, 2010. The CRA
is urging its members to voice their opposition to A.B. 2825
immediately by calling their representative in the State Assembly.
View the entire text of the bill by clicking HERE.