ing data access at equivalent levels with other stakeholders in the automotive supply chain. He emphasized that data such as OEM part numbers and build sheet information is vital to ensure future consumer access to economical and environmentally beneficial OEM parts. The interactive discussion which ensued following his remarks focused on the professional automotive recycling industry’s reutilization of parts and the data needed to ensure parts compatibility with market needs. Wilson emphasized that the future success of parts reutiliza- tion is dependent on a mutually benefi- cial relationship between auto- makers and professional automotive recy- clers. Wilson’s presentation also touched on the important role our industry plays in preserving natural resources and diverting waste from landfills. As ARA continues its increased outreach and communication with automakers, this event will provide further opportunities

State Issues S

for more open dialogue on the data requirements of the professional auto- motive recycling industry

Federal Legislation

egislation addressing automotive issues has been introduced recently in both the U.S. House and Senate. One bill introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D- CT) is entitled the “Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act” which would require used car dealers to repair any outstand- ing safety recalls in used automobiles prior to selling or leasing. While manu- facturers and new car dealers are pro- hibited from selling vehicles containing recalled parts, there is no current law prohibiting used car dealers from selling or leasing vehicles containing these parts. According to statements by the Senators, there are over 46 million cars and trucks on our nation’s roads with unrepaired safety recalls and last year

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alone, five million used cars subject to safety recalls were sold to new owners without the necessary repairs. The Senators also introduced legisla- tion requiring that safety recall remedies be completed before vehicle registration renewals are issued. A Senate “Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act” passed favorably out of the Senate. It provides incentives and protections for auto industry whistle- blowers who report knowledge relating to vehicle defects. A comprehensive House Democrat bill was re-introduced addressing federal government and con- sumer issues relating to auto recalls. Bills in both the House and Senate have been re-introduced that shorten the time of a automotive design patent from 14 years to 30 months. In both the House and Senate legislation has been introduced that “encourages the use of remanufactured parts” in the Federal fleet of vehicles.

ummer months are a slow time for state lawmakers as all but a handful of legislatures have concluded work for the year. California’s state legislature will adjourn in early fall and Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin will remain in ses- sion throughout the remainder of the year.

Parts Procurement and Recycled Parts Legislation being considered in NEW YORK would extend

an existing insurance law that prohibits insurers from requiring the use of a specific repair facility to also include prohibitions from requiring repair shops to use specific vendors or processes for the procurement of parts and materials. Assembly Bill 6684 and Senate Bill 1270 are sim- ilar to other pieces of legislation introduced across the country in response to the growth of insurance company direct repair programs. Prior sessions have seen similar versions of this legislation and failed to pass out of commit- tee. AB 6684 has been referred to the Rules Committee where it currently stands.

After a successful lobbying effort, automotive recyclers in New York saw passage of legislation, SB 4957, that will allow the state DMV to acquire information electronically and in real-time. The new law will satisfy both state and

NMVTIS reporting requirements and eliminate a duplica- tive junk and salvage yard reporting requirements. In RHODE ISLAND, Senate Bill 783 was passed in late June that establishes two levels of collision repair classifications in the state, a “Class A” and “Class B.” The new law outlines criteria for each class, such as technological, equipment and training upgrades, and insurance companies will determine labor rates for each group. There was some con- cern by auto recyclers in the state that the bill could restrict the use of recycled and other alternative parts, however the intent seems to be aimed strictly on repairers.

Access to Salvage Automotive recyclers in PENNSYLVANIA are working to

make modifications to House Bill 871 that addresses salvage vehicle de-titling procedures for automotive recy- clers and scrap processors. The bill is being supported by scrap processors in the state and is intended to remove any discrepancy in how the industries are treated, however as currently written could result in recyclers being unable to access the vehicles and remove parts prior to being crushed. HB 871 passed the House in late June. ARA members in the state are working to make modifications to the language.

July-August 2015 | Automotive Recycling 67