Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: April 30, 2024

what's moving?

Bills on Electronic and Appliance Product Repairs; Regulations:
California S.B.1497 was referred to Senate committee on April 25, 2024. The bill seeks to establish the Polluters Pay Climate Cost Recovery Program, requiring fossil fuel polluters to pay for climate-related damages.

California S.B.1313 had a second reading on April 23, 2024. This bill aims to prohibit vehicles from being equipped with devices interfering with driver monitoring systems.

California S.B.1158 was reported favorably by committee on April 24, 2024. It proposes amendments to the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, adjusting fund liquidation deadlines and indirect cost limits for local air districts.

California A.B.3138 was referred to Assembly committee on April 25, 2024. It allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to approve alternative devices for vehicle registration that meet new specifications.

Rhode Island S.B.2840 had a hearing scheduled on April 24, 2024, requiring manufacturers of assistive technology devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters, to provide independent repair providers and owners with necessary documentation, parts, and software updates.

Bills on Workforce:
California A.B.1870 had its first reading in the Second Chamber on April 25, 2024. The bill mandates updates to workers' compensation notices to include information on consulting a licensed attorney about workers' compensation rights.

Bills on Catalytic Converters:
Illinois H.B.4589, referred to Senate committee on April 24, 2024, aims to prevent the repeal of the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Act and includes "catalytic converter" in the definition of "essential parts".

Rhode Island S.B.2440 was introduced to prohibit insurance companies from refusing to use aftermarket parts aged 48 to 72 months, with the vehicle owner's consent, for repairs. This act would take effect upon passage.

Bills on Right to Repair and Equipment:
Colorado HB24-1121 passed the Senate on April 24, 2024. This legislation expands right-to-repair laws to include digital electronic equipment with specific exemptions.

Bills on PFAS and Chemicals:
Colorado SB24-081 was sent to the governor on April 23, 2024. The bill repeals exemptions allowing the use of PFAS-containing class B firefighting foam by certain facilities from 2025.
California A.B.2686 was referred to Assembly committee on April 23, 2024. The bill imposes a discounted hazardous waste generation and handling fee for specific project types until January 1, 2026.

Pennsylvania H.B.2238 was filed on April 25, 2024, to amend Title 12 (Commerce and Trade), imposing restrictions on the use of PFAS chemicals in certain products and assigning enforcement responsibilities to the Department of Environmental Protection.

State News This Week

Twenty-seven state legislatures are in regular session.

The Missouri state House has approved legislation asking voters to make the state constitution more difficult to amend. If the Senate approves and voters sign off, future amendments would be required to win a majority in at least five of the state’s eight congressional districts.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) has vetoed sixteen bills this year, one shy of the all-time record she set in 2023. She’s likely to break her record before the end of session.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has signed legislation preventing companies that voluntarily recognize unions from accessing state tax credits for mega-projects like new auto plants. Businesses would only be eligible for incentives if they require secret-ballot union elections.

Statehouse Automobile Reports

Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) is set to sign a bill expanding right-to-repair legislation to include consumer devices and business computing, following Oregon's footsteps with a ban on parts pairing, effective January 1, 2026.

Washington has launched a $45 million EV Instant Rebates Program to make electric vehicles more affordable for low-income residents, with new and used EVs eligible for up to $9,000 in rebates, starting August this year.

As North Carolina spends $960,000 daily on energy for state buildings, Governor Roy Cooper's (D) administration faces challenges in meeting climate goals with only eight months left in his term, struggling to reduce energy consumption per square foot by the targeted 40%.

California is moving forward with legislation to install passive intelligent speed assistance systems in new vehicles, which would warn drivers when exceeding speed limits by 10 mph, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities.

Workforce Highlight

President Joe Biden announced the creation of four new workforce hubs in upstate New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania to prepare U.S. workers for emerging manufacturing jobs, with a particular focus on semiconductor production. The initiative, supported by a preliminary agreement with Micron, seeks to expand job opportunities and training in high-demand fields for workers.

For questions, email govaffairs@autocare.org.