‘Hands-free’ Cellphone Bill Advances in Minnesota Senate
The Minnesota Senate has voted overwhelmingly for a bill barring cellphone use while driving unless the phone is being used in a “hands-free” mode, according to an article by the StarTribune.

Right to Repair Coalition Takes on Vehicle Data in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition has introduced legislation in the commonwealth protecting consumers’ right to own and control the data generated by their vehicle.

Florida to Consider Strict Distracted Driving Bill
Things like holding a phone, putting on makeup or petting a dog while driving could all be considered illegal with the bill.

West Virginia Reintroduces OEM Parts Bill
If enacted, the bill would require new original equipment parts to be used in order to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty on vehicles three years old or newer.

Associations Oppose Missouri Legislation Repealing Vehicle Safety Inspections
Automotive industry trade associations have joined to oppose House Bill 451 in Missouri aimed at eliminating that state’s premier vehicle safety inspection program.

Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Gaining Support
New legislation in the Senate aimed at popularizing the use of autonomous vehicles in commercial and commuter settings is gaining more supporters and could be considered this spring, according to an article by Transport Topics.

Nevada Legislature Reviewing Aftermarket Parts Bill
The bill would prohibit an insurer from requiring the use of aftermarket parts in the collision repair of a vehicle that is less than 60 months old unless the insurer has written consent from the owner of the motor vehicle.

California Body Shop Owner Challenging New Law Limiting Storage Charge
A California body shop owner is upset by a bill in his state that passed into law last year and took effect Jan. 1, 2019 aimed at “closing loopholes in California’s towing and vehicle storage law to reduce abusive practices aimed at inflating storage fees.”

Wyoming Crash Parts Legislation Stalls in House
Opposed by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and collision shops in Wyoming, the “crash parts” bill – S.F. 0095 – had been on a fast track after garnering quick approval from the Wyoming Senate.

Houston Auto Body Association to Hold Day on the Hill on Feb. 12
The Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) announced it is inviting collision repairers to its “Collision Day on the Hill” on Feb. 12 at the capital building in Austin, Texas.

Missouri Anti-Safety Inspection Bill Reintroduced
Once again, legislation was introduced in the Missouri Legislature that seeks to repeal the state’s vehicle safety inspection program.

Massachusetts Bill Proposes Making Airbag Fraud a Crime
Insurers are asking Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to sign legislation establishing criminal penalties for selling or installing a counterfeit airbag in a vehicle, according to an article by the Gloucester Daily Times.
