Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: June 6, 2023

What's Moving:

Texas SB 244 increasing penalties for catalytic converter theft was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott (R)

Florida SB 1002 was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R). It prohibits repair companies from offering incentives for glass replacement. A news report is here. 

Texas HB 3297 to eliminate state vehicle safety inspections is pending with Governor Abbott for consideration. The issue has gotten press attention; Waco Tribune-Herald, ABC, Austin American-Statesman

California SB 244 a digital right to repair bill was passed by the Assembly on a 38 – 0 vote and sent to the Senate

California SB 271, a right to repair wheelchair bill passed the Senate on a 38 – 0 vote and sent to the state Assembly

California SB 55, enacting restrictions on possession & sales of catalytic converters has passed the Senate and been assigned to the Assembly Transportation Committee for a future hearing. It would prohibit sales of vehicles with converters unmarked with a VIN

New York S 3008 & its companion billA 2925 were introduced. They prohibit sales of catalytic converters without a VIN.

California AB 641revises the state’s definition of auto dismantler to include anyone who keeps in their possession 6 or more used catalytic converters. It passed the Assembly 77 – 0 and is in the SenateTwenty-one state legislatures are in session. 

New York S 3008 & its companion billA 2925 were introduced. They prohibit sales of catalytic converters without a VIN.

Twenty-one state legislatures are in session. Texas lawmakers are currently in a special session but have adjourned their regular session until 2025.

State News This Week:

Texas House voted to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) over charges of bribery and abuse of office. A trial in the state Senate will take place no later than August 28^th. The Attorney General is suspended from duties until that time and an interim AG is now in place. 

The Alabama Legislature has sent a bill to Governor Kay Ivey (R) that creates new state crimes of retail theft and organized retail theft. 

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) announced a new policy this week that over 90% of state jobs will no longer require applicants to have a college degree and will not give hiring preference to those with a degree.

Before adjourning their 2023 session, Minnesota legislators passed their comprehensive state budging. Included was a provision banning employers from implementing non-compete hiring agreements for any employees. It is designed to prevent companies from restricting employees from working for other business after termination.

Minnesota also became the 23^rd state to legalize growing, possessing and recreational use of cannabis when Governor Tim Walz (D) formally signed legislation this week. The state will also begin purging previous marijuana convictions from state residents. Speaking of plant-based drugs, the California Senate passed a bill to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics. The Senate passed SB 58 with no votes to spare and it is now in the Assembly.

Legislation We're Tracking:

We are currently tracking 228 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:

Statehouse Automobile Reports:

Several of California’s powerful unions have announced they will oppose legislation to reauthorize funds for the state’s Clean Transportation Plan unless 30% of the funds are allocated to add hydrogen fueling. 

The California Assembly has approved legislation to the Senate that would require a human safety operator to be present anytime a self-driving truck operates in the state. The bill is strongly supported by the Teamsters Union and opposed by large tech companies.

California lawmakers are also considering legislation to exempt members of the Sikh religion from the state’s motorcycle helmet law.

For questions, email govaffairs@autocare.org.