Auto Care State Government Affairs Update: Mar. 17, 2023
What's Moving
- Kansas HB 2326, would extend the sunset date on scrap metal theft reduction and add catalytic converters to the act - The bill was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 14 at 10:30am, but no action was taken.
- Vermont H 81, an agricultural equipment right to repair bill - In the midst of a multi-day hearing this week in the House Agriculture Committee.
- Arkansas HB 1365, would amend current law to create offenses for catalytic converter theft - Has passed both chambers and has been sent to the Governor's office for enactment.
- Illinois SB 2399, would repeal language making provisions for reassignment by dealers also applicable to salvage certificates - Will be heard by the Senate on March 21.
- Florida SB 422, a right to repair bill for agricultural equipment - Has been introduced in the Senate, and sent to the Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism, and Rules Committees. The Auto Care Association has submitted an amendment request to each committee.
- Florida H 533, a right to repair bill for agricultural equipment - Has been referred to the Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee in the Commerce Committee. The Auto Care Association has submitted an amendment request to the subcommittee.
- Texas HB 515, a right to repair bill for electronic equipment - Has been referred to the House Business and Industry Committee. Auto Care has submitted testimony requesting an amendment to include the automotive aftermarket.
- Mississippi HB 588, the MS Workforce Training and Education Act - Has passed both the House and Senate, but the House has declined to concur in conference.
- Maryland HB 920, which establishes consumer protections on the repair or replacement of motor vehicle glass or on motor vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems - Has been amended and passed out of the Economic Matters Committee.
- Vermont S 48, which regulates the sale of catalytic converters - Has been reported favorably out of the Committee on Transportation.
- Rhode Island HB 5731, which puts restrictions on insurers regarding used parts - Was supposed to be heard this week, but has been postponed to be heard on 3/17.
State News This Week
All states are in session, except for Utah, Wyoming, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Virginia. The West Virginia legislature wrapped up their session with 225 bills heading to the Governor’s office to be signed into law and a balanced budget of $4.8 billion in general revenue funds. The Georgia House approved a $32.4 billion budget for 2024.It will now move to the Senate for consideration and votes. The New Mexico Senate Finance Committee approved a substitute bill for the state budget, and the Senate later approved it. Because it was amended, it will return to the House for concurrence. Governor JB Pritzker (D) signed paid leave legislation into law this week, making Illinois the third state to do so. The bill will require all employers to allow employees paid leave one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked up to a maximum of 40 total paid hours per year. It will go into effect by January 1, 2024. |
Legislation We're Tracking
|
|
Statehouse Reports
GOP legislators in Connecticut released a plan which focuses on filling high-demand industries and addressing the state’s workforce crisis. The plan mainly focuses on educators, health providers, and targeting high school students to show them other pathways besides a 4-year college.
With major car manufacturers planning to open locations in South Carolina, the state is looking to ensure its workforce can fill the roles. The legislature is looking to pass a bill that would create an Office of Statewide Workforce Development within the Department of Employment and Workforce.
The Michigan Senate approved the repeal of the right-to-work law that would have made union membership optional for employees in unionized industries, as well as approved a measure that would require employers to pay the union-set minimum wage for employees.Questions about state legislation? Email govaffairs@autocare.org.
Your Association's government affairs staff works 24/7/365 on your behalf to fight policies and regulations that may be harmful to your business. Here you'll find the latest updates on their issue-related work including testimonies, hearings, meetings, comments and actions.
More posts
Content
-
2021 Auto Care Advocacy Report
March 24, 2022Advocacy is essential, and by adding your voice, our impact adds up. This report details our 2021 efforts across all three facets of advocacy: grassroots, lobbying and PAC. However, in order to be effective, we must have your support and engagement. The 2021 Advocacy Report details ways you can get involved - and we made it as easy as 1, 2, 3.