Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: October 20, 2023

by Tod Moore, manager, advocacy and grassroots

what's moving?

California SB 55 became public law. CA SB 55 amends existing law to allow core recyclers to make payments for used catalytic converters using methods other than checks, such as credit cards or traceable electronic payments.
California AB 1519 became public law. The bill prohibits the tampering of catalytic converter vehicle identification numbers and the possession of three or more altered catalytic converters.
Pennsylvania HB 1749 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would amend the Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act, further providing for penalties.

State News This Week

This Saturday, Louisiana voters went to the polls to elect a gubernatorial replacement for outgoing Governor John Bel Edwards (D). Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) won an overall majority of votes in the gubernatorial primary election, avoiding the need for a runoff election and making him governor-elect. While there will be no runoff election for governor, there will be runoff elections for attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer in November.

North Dakota lawmakers are set to reconvene on October 23 to address an appropriations bill that was voided following a state Supreme Court ruling. This special session aims to resolve the budget and make strategic investments in areas like tax relief and infrastructure.

statehouse automobile reports

Maine's November ballot will feature Question 4, a "right to repair" initiative that would grant consumers and independent repair shops access to automotive diagnostic systems and data. The initiative is part of the national right to repair movement, with similar legislation enacted in Colorado and New York.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed Senate Bill 296 into law, which grants consumers greater control over data collected by vehicular in-cabin cameras.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed an executive order directing New Mexico agencies to transition to an all-electric vehicle fleet within the next 12 years. Tax credits are being pursued for electric vehicles to encourage the initiative. The order is working to promote wider adoption of low-carbon vehicles and reduce New Mexico’s carbon footprint.

The second month of the UAW strike has begun in Michigan, with over 20% of hourly workers participating. The strike has now generated an estimated economic impact of $7.7 billion, affecting economic activity across several states.

For questions, email govaffairs@autocare.org.

About section background | Auto Care Association

Mike Chung

is director, market intelligence at Auto Care Association. With more than a dozen years of experience in market research, Chung provides the industry with timely information on key factors and trends influencing the health of the automotive aftermarket to help businesses throughout the supply chain make better business decisions. Chung has earned degrees in chemical engineering, environmental health, and business administration. He can be reached at michael.chung@autocare.org.

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