The Affiliate Chapter executive directors recently completed a survey denoting their respective state chapter legislative priorities for 2010.  The affiliate chapters were asked to rate the level of importance of seven issue areas identified as priorities for ARA last year by the Legislative Advisory Council. 

The top priorities for the Affiliate Chapters noted were issues related to salvage pools, salvage certificates, environmental green issues (storm water permits, mercury switches and shredder issues), restricted parts (airbags, dismantling and sale of products and consumer protection).  Several also noted that they would be focused on additional funding for regulatory staff in an effort to address unlicensed automobile recyclers.

Today, the following 40 states and the District of Columbia are in currently in session:  Alabama,  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,  Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.  

The 2010 state legislative session is in full swing now.  What is going on in your state?  Is there is an issue you are interested/concerned about in your state?  If so please let us know.  We’d be happy to help!

The ARA backed Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (HR 2057), which was introduced in April of his year, has finally gained backing from more members in Congress.  HR 2057 now boasts 51 cosponsors supporting the proposed act.  The Right to Repair Act – sponsored by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) – protects the rights of consumers to diagnose, service, maintain, and repair their motor vehicles, and for other purposes.  Finally, repair shops will have access to automotive dealer’s confidential information, allowing consumers to repair their vehicles at a reduced cost.

HR 2057 requires the manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold, leased, or otherwise introduced into U.S. commerce to: (1) provide to the vehicle owner and service providers all information necessary to diagnose, service, maintain, or repair the vehicle; (2) offer for sale to the vehicle owner and service providers any related tool or equipment; and (3) provide the information that enables aftermarket tool companies to manufacture tools with the same functional characteristics. Exempts trade secrets, so long as the information is not disclosed to authorized dealers or service providers.