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.
