Your Source for Up-To-Date News and Research on the Collision Repair Industry 

 

click here to subscribe to the FREE INSIGHT Editor's Desk News Alert Email

SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY
Today's News
INSIGHT This Month
INSIGHT Archives
Survey Center
Letter to the Editor

Business Tools
Subscription Information
CSI Reporting
Financial Analysis
IRS Audit Guide

Management/
Technical Info
Market Watch Rates
INSIGHT Inside this month's issue...

Feedback
Letter to the Editor

California Air Bag Legislation Defeated

Washington, D.C. -- California Assembly Bill 841 has been defeated. The bill addressed existing state law which states that any person who installs or sells a previously deployed air bag that is part of an inflatable restraint system is guilty of a misdemeanor.

This recently introduced legislation would have allowed only "a new air bag, or an air bag that has not been previously deployed, [to] be placed or installed in the air bag compartment of a motor vehicle." This proposed legislation implied that recycled or non-OEM air bags are acceptable for installation in vehicles.

"We are pleased that this legislation was defeated. ASA has maintained for some time that only new OEM air bags be used as replacements in vehicles," said Bob Redding, the Automotive Service Association's Washington, D.C., representative.

Revised Energy Legislation Includes Repair, Recycling Options

In other legislative news, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., have revised the "Energy Policy Act of 2002," S.517, to include language for a fuel efficient repair option and recycling of automotive parts.

Section 832, Assistance for State Programs to Retire Fuel-Inefficient Motor Vehicles, is a program that will give states grants to offer incentives to owners of passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks more than 15 years old who voluntarily scrap or repair the vehicle.

Taking the lead on this initiative, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) requested Daschle to consider both aftermarket repair and recycling in the legislation.

"We are pleased that Sens. Daschle and Bingaman have included repair and recycling options in the Energy Bill. They listened to the small business community and made sure we were incorporated in the legislation," said Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative. This bill will allow older vehicle owners an opportunity to improve the maintenance and fuel efficiency of their vehicles. Additionally, more automotive parts will move into the aftermarket, enhancing opportunities for both collision and mechanical repairers.

ASA sent letters supporting Section 832 to both Daschle and Bingaman, who is also the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chairman.

©2002 Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT
All Rights Reserved

FEATURED
LINKS:

INSIGHT Supports the NABC!
Do You?