Missouri’s House of Representatives and Senate are simultaneously
considering bills that would allow all residents of the United States
to attend salvage pool or salvage disposal sales, rather than just
licensed salvage dealers. Hearings were held in mid-February for the
bills, H.B. 539 and S.B. 177.

Opponents of the bills fear that opening salvage sales to the general
public could put more improperly repaired vehicles on the road and
increase title washing. Opponents also noted that unlicensed buyers
might not follow the environmental regulations that salvage yards must.

Insurance companies, including Farmers, supported the bills at the
hearings. Opening salvage sales to the general public could increase
insurers’ returns on salvage sales.

The act also requires operators of salvage pool sales or subsequent
purchasers who sell nonrepairable vehicles to non-U.S. residents to
stamp the titles to such vehicles with the words “FOR EXPORT ONLY.” The
current law only assigns this duty to the seller of a nonrepairable
vehicle.