Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: June 23, 2023

by Tod Moore, manager, advocacy and grassroots

what's moving?

Pennsylvania SB 561was approved by the Senate and sent to the House. It would eliminate the need for state vehicle emissions testing for five years from date of manufacture. A news report about the bill is here.
Massachusetts S 142, a digital right to repair bill is scheduled to be heard in the Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensing on June 26^th. It may be an interesting hearing in light of recent developments related to the state’s auto right to repair law.
Oregon HB 3631 a digital right to repair bill was introduced and referred to the House Business & Labor Committee.

state news this week:

Twelve state legislatures are in session and Texas legislators remain in special session.

A bill has been sent to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) that will eliminate that state’s existing means test for SNAP eligibility. It is anticipated that she will sign it.

The impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) will begin in the state Senate on September 5^th. He is facing twenty counts of misconduct in office. State Senator Angela Paxton (R), wife of the Attorney General will be permitted to attend the trial but is prohibited from voting on the case.

Primary election day in Virginia proved difficult for five incumbent senators who were defeated, a historic achievement. Governor Glen Youngkin (R) was a big winner as all ten of the candidates he endorsed won their races.

legislation we're tracking:

We are currently tracking over 250 pieces of state legislation for the Auto Care Association and can provide a full list upon request.

Here are some bills we are watching closely:

State	Bill Number	Title	Status
California	AB 473	Relating to motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers	Was amended & referred back to the Assembly Transportation Committee
California	AB 1263	Relating to the state's smog check program	Referred to the Senate Business & Professions and Economic Development Committees
California	AB 1519	Relating to catalytic converters	Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee
Delaware	SB 104	Catalytic Converter Theft	Passed the Senate Judiciary Committee
Illinois	HB 1527	Relating to Vehicle Disablement Technology	Referred to the House Rules Committee
New York	HH 7799	Relating to the receipt of catalytic converters by junk dealers & scrap dealers	Introduced & referred to the Assembly Consumer Affairs & Protection Committee
Rhode Island	HB 5841	An Act Relating To Commercial Law -- General Regulatory Provisions -- Purchase And Sale Of Precious Metals	Referred to the Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee

statehouse vehicle reports

The damaged section of I-95 in Philadelphia will re-open this weekend, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D). Crews have gotten assistance from a jet-powered track dryer on loan from Pocono Raceway.

Louisiana officials say that hackers have breached the state Office of Motor Vehicles and they believe that anyone with a state drive. Officials believe everyone with a state driver’s license now may be exposed.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) has vetoed a bill that would have extended a half-cent sales tax used for year to fund transportation projects in Maricopa County. It is part of a dispute between the Governor and Republican-controlled Legislature to eliminate funding for a light rail project and spend more money on roads and highways.

Representatives of the railroad industry are suing California’s Air Resources Board over newly published rules that will ban older diesel locomotives beginning in 2030. The lawsuit claims that the agency does not have the authority to issue such rules.

The Philadelphia City Council has approved legislation designed to crack down on street racing and the Los Angeles Police Chief has announced his support for similar state legislation being debated in California.

For questions, email govaffairs@autocare.org.

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