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U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Antitrust Oversight Hearing
April 29, 2013 – The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights recently held a hearing titled “Oversight of the Enforcement of the Antitrust Laws.” Witnesses at the hearing included the Hon. William Baer, assistant attorney general for the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice; and the Hon. Edith Ramirez, chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission.

To view full release, click here.
To view Baer testimony, click here.
To view Ramirez testimony, click here.

U.S. DOT Releases Guidelines to Minimize In-Vehicle Distractions
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood released new guidelines that encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk connected to electronic devices built into their vehicles, such as communications, entertainment and navigation devices. Issued by the Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the voluntary guidelines establish specific recommended criteria for electronic devices installed in vehicles at the time they are manufactured that require drivers to take their hands off the wheel or eyes of the road to use them. The guidelines include recommendations to limit the time a driver must take his eyes off the road to perform any task to two seconds at a time and twelve seconds total. The guidelines also recommend disabling several operations unless the vehicle is stopped and in park, such as: Manual text entry for the purposes of text messaging and internet browsing; Video-based entertainment and communications like video phoning or video conferencing; Display of certain types of text, including text messages, web pages, social media content. The recommendations outlined in the guidelines are consistent with the findings of a new NHTSA naturalistic driving study showing that visual-manual tasks associated with hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times. "The new study strongly suggests that visual-manual tasks can degrade a driver's focus and increase the risk of getting into a crash up to three times," said David L. Strickland, NHTSA Administrator. "The new guidelines and our ongoing work with our state partners across the country will help us put an end to the dangerous practice of distracted driving by limiting the amount of time drivers take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and their attention away from the task of driving."

Download NHTSA's Phase I distraction guidelines Download NHTSA's study on cell phone use

Maine Legislature Holds Hearing on Right to Repair Legislation
April 23, 2013 – The Maine legislature recently held a hearing on LD 788, Right to Repair legislation, titled “Vehicle Owners and Repair Facilities.” The hearing was held in the Joint Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development. Ken Boyce, the owner of Ken’s Auto Repair Inc. in Buxton, Maine, presented testimony on behalf of the Automotive Service Association (ASA). He has 29 years of experience in auto repair.

To view full release, click here.
To view testimony, click here.

Senate Banking Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Insurance Market Regulation
March 26, 2013 – The U.S. Senate Banking Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment held a hearing recently titled “Streamlining Regulation, Improving Consumer Protection and Increasing Competition in Insurance Markets.”

To view full release, click here.
To view testimony, click here.

NHTSA Introduces Mobile Device App that provides Vehicle Safety Information
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced a new iOS app for iPhones and iPod touches that will provide real-time vehicle safety information to consumers from NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov site. NHTSA’s SaferCar app allows users to search its 5-Star Safety Ratings for vehicles by make and model, locate car seat installation help, file a vehicle safety complaint, find recall information and subscribe to automatic notices about vehicle recalls.

To view full report, click here.

Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Holds Roundtable Conference
March 25, 2013 – The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship recently held a roundtable conference titled “Helping Small Businesses Weather Economic Challenges and Natural Disasters: Review of Legislative Proposals on Access to Capital and Disaster Recovery.” The roundtable conference was led by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), chairwoman of the committee.

To see the full press release, click here.
To watch footage from the hearing, click here.

U.S. House Committee on Small Business holds Hearing on Reducing Small Business Burdens
March 21, 2013 - Recently, the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations held a hearing titled “Regulating the Regulators- Reducing Burdens on Small Business.” The hearing was held in order to examine federal agency compliance with the Regulator Flexibility Act (RFA) and highlight issues to be addressed through future congressional activity.

To see the full press release, click here.
To view testimonals, click here.

Texas Senate Bill Goes Too Far In Diluting the I/M Program
Texas Senate Bill 888, introduced by state Sen. Carlos Uresti (D-19), seeks to reduce the number of emissions inspections for vehicles. The bill, if enacted, will change the initial inspection period for certain vehicles from two years to five years.

To see the full press release, click here.
Texas Repairers: Please click here to send a letter in opposition to this bill to your Texas legislator. Sending a letter is fast and easy.

Pennsylvania Senate Bill Goes Too Far In Reducing Vehicle Emissions Inspections
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 332, introduced by Sen. Elder A. Vogel (R-47), seeks to reduce the number of emissions inspections for vehicles. The bill is currently in the Senate Committee on Transportation, and if enacted, will drastically reduce the number of emissions inspections for vehicles: 10-year exemption for new vehicles and an exemption for alternative fuel vehicles. We need your help to stop this legislation.

To send a letter in opposition to this bill to your Pennsylvania State Senator, please click here.

Meeting Held in Regard to
Ohio Senate Bill 273
A meeting will be held today – Wednesday, Feb. 6 – focusing on Ohio Senate Bill 273. The meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Statehouse, Conference Room 45. Representatives from the Department of Public Safety, BMV, the Department of Taxation and the Attorney General’s office will be in attendance.

View the bill.

EPA Proposes 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing the 2013 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2).

To view full release click here.

Iowa Senator Introduces Bill Establishing Study of Insurer Direct Repair Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 29, 2013 – Iowa state Sen. Brad Zaun (R-20) recently introduced Iowa Senate Bill 42 requesting an interim study committee on automobile insurance direct repair programs (DRPs). Under the legislation, the interim study committee is to study DRPs used by some automobile insurance companies to provide repairs for claimants. MORE

To view full text of the bill click here.

Right to Repair
Attached is a sample of the letter sent to congressional offices that sponsored Right to Repair in the 112th Congress.

NHTSA Releases Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid, Electric Vehicles
Rule enacted under the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010
Jan. 14, 2013 – Recently, the Federal Register published the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles, as required by the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (PSEA) of 2010. The rule establishes a federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) setting minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Click here to view the regulation in its entirety.

ARB Issues DECS Advisory
ARB has issued a regulatory advisory that clarifies that the aftermarket parts exemption and diesel emission control strategy (DECS) verification programs are distinct, and that products with an aftermarket parts exemption are not eligible for subsequent conversion to verified DECS after installation as of March 1, 2013. New products sold under one form of approval must remain identified as such and cannot be subsequently modified. This prohibition will simplify the marketplace, reduce the risk and inconvenience to end-users, and uphold the significance and value of verification.

Read the advisory on the ARB website.

EPA Grants California Clean Car Rule Waiver
Jan. 8, 2013 – Recently the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved California’s request to waive the Clean Air Act to implement several new clean-vehicle rules. The rules include the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) limits for vehicles, strict zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) requirements and a particulate matter (PM) standard for 2025 vehicles. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) believes that nearly 40 percent of new car sales across the U.S. will be subject to the new regulations.

Click here to view the waiver.

Treasury Announces Intent to Fully Exit GM Investment Within the Next 12-15 Months
WASHINGTON – Today, as part of its continuing efforts to wind down its investments in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced its intent to fully exit its investment in General Motors (GM) within the next 12-15 months, subject to market conditions.

Click here to view the announcement.

Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for the First Half (January–June) of 2012
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported dramatic increases in motor vehicle fatalities during the first two quarters of 2012.

Click here to view the Traffic Safety Facts.

ASA Requests DOJ Review Most Favored Nation Clauses
Oct. 31, 2012 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently sent a letter to the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, asking for a review of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) clauses used in many direct repair agreements. ASA collision members brought this issue to the attention of the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee expressing concern that many of these direct repair agreements, offered by insurance companies, included MFN or “Most Favored Customer” clause. MORE

To view ASA’s letter sent to the Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice click here.

U.S. House Committee on Small Business Holds Hearing on Impact of Sequestration on Small Businesses
Sept. 26, 2012 - The U.S. House Small Business Committee recently held a full committee hearing titled “Sequestration: The Threat to Small Businesses, Jobs and the Industrial Base.” Sequestration is mandatory cuts to federal programs, or the process of blocking off money that may have been authorized by Congress but is now prohibited from being spent.

To view the testimony, click here.

CBO Releases Electric Vehicle Study
Sept. 24, 2012 – Recently, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report suggesting that the total cost of public policies to promote the manufacture and purchase of electric vehicles will cost approximately $7.5 billion through 2019. Tax credits that allow buyers of electric vehicles are thought to have a significant impact on vehicles purchases. The study focused on plug-in hybrid vehicles and all-electric battery vehicles.

To view the study, click here.

U.S. House Judiciary Committee holds Hearing on Administration’s Regulatory Agenda v. Jobs, Economy
Sept. 24, 2012 – Recently, the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary held a full committee hearing on the Obama Administration’s regulatory agenda and its effect on jobs and the economy. The hearing was titled, “Regulation Nation: The Obama Administration’s Regulatory Expansion vs. Jobs and Economic Recovery.”

To view the testimony: click here.

U.S. House, Senate Hold Joint Hearing on Capital Gains Tax
Sept. 24, 2012 – The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance held a joint hearing Sept. 20 with the House Ways and Means Committee on proposals relating to the taxation of capital gains as a part of an overhaul of the U.S. tax code.

To view the testimony, click here.

U.S. House Small Business Committee holds Hearing on Tax Relief
Sept. 13, 2012 - The House Committee on Small Business’s Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access held a hearing titled “Adding to Uncertainty: Small Businesses’ Perspectives on the Tax Cliff .” The Hearing examined how the chance for expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax relief laws are influencing small businesses’ decision making.

To view the testimony, click here.

NHTSA Finalizes Airbag On-Off Switch Rule
Sept. 4, 2012 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized its rulemaking for retrofitting on-off switches for air bags. Currently, NHTSA has a regulation that allows automobile dealers and repair businesses to install retrofit on-off switches for air bags in vehicles owned by anyone who has requested and received approval of one by the agency. MORE

Read the regulation

White House Finalizes New Fuel Standards
Aug. 28, 2012 - The Obama administration announced its finalization of new standards that will increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 mpg for cars and light-duty trucks by 2025.

It is believed that this will nearly double the fuel efficiency of those vehicles compared to new vehicles currently on our roads. Learn more ...

Appeals Court Vacates EPA Transport Rule For Exceeding Air Law Powers
Aug. 21, 2012 - A Federal Appeals Court in Washington, ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulation of interstate air pollution is unlawful and cannot be enforced.

The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals sympathized with many challengers to the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which imposes caps on emissions for 27 states. The rule was put on hold by the court while it considered the legality of the regulation.

The court ordered the agency to enforce a 2005 rule known as the Clear Air Interstate Rule, until a replacement to the cross-state pollution rule is arranged.

California DOI to Hold Parts Hearing
Aug. 7, 2012 - On Thursday, Aug. 9, the California Department of Insurance will hold a public hearing on a proposed regulation regarding the standards for repair and use of aftermarket parts. It defines unfair and prohibited acts of the insurance code.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. at the Employment Development Department Auditorium, 722 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, Calif.

To view the text of the regulation, click here.

NC Vehicle Emissions Inspection Bill Signed in to Law
Aug. 6, 2012 - North Carolina House Bill 585, known as the Vehicle Emissions Inspection bill, sponsored by State Representative Gaston Pridgen (R-46), was recently signed in to law. The bill exempts vehicles of the three latest model years and 1996 or later models with 70,000 miles or less from state emissions inspections.

To view the full text of the bill, click here.

Massachusetts Compromise Right-to-Repair Bill Sent to Governor
Aug. 1, 2012 - ASA has opposed Right to Repair legislation for a decade. Automakers, Massachusetts car dealers and Right to Repair proponents supported a legislative solution, in Massachusetts, to service information concerns for independent repairers and consumers. ASA believes that the industry's efforts in assuring service information through the private sector, third-party providers and automaker websites offers our members the service information necessary to repair their customers' vehicles. Read the full statement ...

Click here to view the full text of the bill

House Committee to Hold Hearing on Automotive Parts Legislation
July 26, 2012 - The U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet will hold a hearing Aug. 1, 2012, on the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales Act (PARTS Act), H.R. 3889, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. Learn more ...

To view the full text of proposed regulation, click here.

View the coalition letter sent to Congress in opposition to the PARTS Act.

House Committee on Financial Services Holds Hearing
July 25, 2012 - The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing on "The Impact of Dodd-Frank’s Insurance Regulations on Consumers, Job Creators, and the Economy." MORE

View the testimony:
•  Dr. Robert P. Hartwig, president, Insurance Information Institute
• Birny Birnbaum, executive director, Center for Economic Justice
• Charles M. Chamness, president and CEO, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
• Thomas P. Quaadman, vice president, Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Public Workshop to Discuss Current Alternative Fuel Conversion Requirements for New and Used Vehicles and Engines
July 23, 2012 - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in a public workshop to clarify the agency's current requirements regarding conversion of vehicles and engines to operate on alternative fuels.

Congresswoman Bono Mack Introduces Motor Vehicle Safety Legislation
July 18, 2012 - U.S. Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) has introduced House Bill 6051, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2012. The Bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill includes a section on the conditions of importation of vehicles and equipment, port inspections and samples for examination or testing, and public availability of recall information.

Click here to view the legislation.

Approval of Parts Changes to the Donaldson's LNF Diesel Emission Control Strategy
July 11, 2012 - The Air California Resources Board (ARB) has approved Donaldson's request for parts changes to the Low NO2 Filter (LNF) Muffler system. The system is a Level 3 plus diesel emission control system for heavy-duty on-road applications using diesel engines with model years between1993 and 2006. The LNF uses one catalyzed flow-through filter and one catalyzed wall-flow diesel particulate filter to achieve an 85 percent reduction in emissions of diesel particulate matter and is compliant with ARB's 2009 nitrogen dioxide standard. Specific conditions for which the LNF has been approved along with the Executive Order will be posted within 10 days on ARB website.

Click here to view the Executive Order.

California Senate Vehicle Key Access Legislation Fails to Pass Assembly
July 3, 2012 - California State Senator Ed Hernandez’s (D-24) Senate Bill 750, relating to motor vehicle manufacturer production of replacement keys, recently failed to pass the California Assembly. The bill would make indefinite an exemption from a requirement for motor vehicle manufacturers to provide for the production of replacement keys.

Click here to view the legislation.

Rhode Island Governor Vetoes Collision Shop Legislationarts Regulation
June 28, 2012 - Rhode Island Governor, Lincoln Chafee, vetoed Rhode Island bill, H 7782A. The bill includes several provisions important for collision repairers:

• Establishes Private Right of Action allowing shops to sue insurers directly for repair cost disputes
• Enhances anti-steering provisions
• Improves total loss requirements

To view the full text of the bill vetoed by Governor Chafee, please click here.  

NHTSA Releases Proposed Regulation Setting Vehicle Safety Standards for Glazing Materials
June 26, 2012 - The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a regulation which set Vehicle Safety standards for glazing materials. Learn more ...

To view the full text of proposed regulation, click here.

California DOI Proposes Amendments to Standards for Repair and Use of Aftermarket Parts Regulation
June 26, 2012 - The California Department of Insurance (DOI) published proposed amendments to its Standards for Repair and Use of Aftermarket Parts Regulation. Click here to view the regulation.

NHTSA Proposes Amendments to Highway Safety Program Guidelines
June 21, 2012 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published in the Federal Register amendments to the Highway Safety Program Guidelines for states. Federal law requires the secretary of transportation to promulgate uniform guidelines for state highway safety programs. Learn more ...

To view the full text of the Federal Register guidelines amendments, click here.

House Subcommittee Examines Small Business Regulations
June 20, 2012 - The U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce recently held a field hearing in South Carolina to discuss the effects of regulations on small business participation in federal contracting, economic growth, and job creation. Learn more ...

Additional resources:
Opening statement
Testimony of Colonel Charles O’Cain
Testimony of Doug Meyer-Cuno
Testimony of Monty Felix

NHTSA Releases Report on Vehicle Safety
June 18, 2012 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a report that includes information suggesting safer vehicles have lead to less car crashes and deaths on the road overall. Learn more ...

To view the report in its entirety, click here.

Texas Franchise Tax Bills Move Through House, Senate
June 5, 2012 - ASA recently testified before the Ways and Means Commission in Austin, Texas, regarding an inequity in the current Texas Franchise Tax code. To view the archived video of the hearing, please click here.

The measure, if passed, would allow automotive repair shops to be taxed the same amount that dealers, parts stores and tire stores are now taxed. Learn more ...

Send your letter to Texas legislators now!

Houston Repairers: Proposed Licensing Ordinance Undergoes Update
Feb. 12, 2012 (updated 6/6/2012) - A new version of the proposed licensing ordinance is available for review: click here.

Read the marked up resolution (02/14/2012)

Read the final resolution (06/06/2012)

Read the letter sent to the Houston mayor and city council Dec. 2, 2011.

Automakers, Repair Community Join in Opposition to Mass. Senate Action on ‘Right To Repair’
May 31, 2012 - The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Auto Alliance) and the Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) joined ASA to urge the Massachusetts House to reject a seriously flawed “Right to Repair” measure recently passed by the state's Senate. Learn more ...

View the letter to the Massachusetts House

FTC Requests Public Comment on Guides for the Rebuilt, Reconditioned and Other Used Automobile Parts Industry
May 29, 2012 - The FTC’s “Guides for the Rebuilt, Reconditioned and Other Used Automobile Parts Industry,” were issued to prevent the unfair marketing practices regarding used motor vehicle parts and assemblies, including engines and transmissions, containing used parts.

To view the guides in their entirety, click here.

House Committee on Financial Services Holds Insurance Hearing
May 22, 2012 - The House Committee on Financial Services recently held a hearing regarding the Federal Insurance Office (FIO). ASA worked with the Congress in the creation of the Federal Insurance Office and opposed attempts to repeal the requirement of a FIO report to Congress on insurance modernization.

View the hearing's testimony.

Activists Sue Over ‘Quiet’ EPA Extension of Contested PM NAAQS Guide
May 7, 2012 - Environmentalists are suing EPA for its “quiet” extension of a guidance first issued by the Bush administration in 2007 on how states should implement the agency’s particulate matter (PM) ambient air standards, claiming EPA violated procedural requirements in its extension of a guide that activists are already contesting in a separate suit.