Government Affairs News

U.S. House Passes "Comp Time" Bill

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:11:20 -0700

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to allow private-sector employees who work more than 40 hours per week the choice of taking “comp” time rather than pay.

Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Employee Rights Poster

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:08:32 -0700

A federal appeals court struck down a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board instructing employers to display an 11x17-in. poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively.

Florida Bill to Require Tire Age Disclosure Dies

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:05:12 -0700

SEMA-opposed legislation to require tire retailers to provide a written disclosure on a used tire’s age, including the week and year the tire was manufactured, died when the Legislature adjourned for the year.

Maine Bill to Curtail Ethanol-Blended Gasoline Awaits Senate Consideration

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:02:37 -0700

Having already been approved by the House, legislation to prohibit the sale and distribution of corn-based ethanol is pending consideration by the Maine Senate.

Colorado Bill to Extend Emissions Inspection Waiver Dies as Legislature Adjourns

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:11 -0700

SEMA-supported legislation to extend the new car emissions inspection exemption from four to seven model years was passed by the Colorado Senate but died in the House when the Legislature adjourned for the year.

Pennsylvania Reintroduces Bill to Extend Emissions Inspection Waiver for Newer Cars

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:56:52 -0700

Legislation has been reintroduced in Pennsylvania to extend the emissions-inspection exemption to vehicles never before registered in the state or any other jurisdiction for 10 years from the date of original registration.

Key House Committee Approves SEMA-Supported Legislation to Save Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:51:15 -0700

The House Natural Resources Committee has approved the “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Establishment Act,” (HR 1676) sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California.

West Virginia Legislature Fails to Act on Ethanol Resolution/Property Tax Exemption

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:06:42 -0700

A concurrent resolution urging the U.S. EPA to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that it does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment died when the legislature adjourned for the year.

Florida Bill to Reduce Registration Fees for Motor Vehicles Dies as Legislature Adjourns

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 08:55:36 -0700

SEMA-supported legislation to reduce the annual registration fees charged for automobiles and light trucks died when the Legislature adjourned without the House having voted on the bill.

Maryland Bill to Create Special Vintage Reproduction License Plate Signed Into Law

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 08:53:31 -0700

Legislation to require the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to provide, for one year, a specially designed vintage reproduction registration plate to qualifying vehicle owners was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley.

West Virginia Bill to Open Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area to Off-Road Vehicles Signed Into Law

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 08:51:18 -0700

SEMA-supported legislation to allow off-road vehicles to operate on trails included in the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area was signed into law by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.

New Arkansas Law Retains Provision to Allow Motor-Vehicle Lamp Covers

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 08:47:48 -0700

Working with state lawmakers, SEMA helped amend legislation that originally threatened to ban any covering that reduced the visibility of required motor-vehicle lighting.

U.S. Senate Passes Internet Sales Tax Bill, House Action Next

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 08:22:22 -0700

Following years of debate, legislation to give states the ability to collect sales tax from out-of-state Internet and mail-order retailers passed the U.S. Senate. President Obama has signaled his support of the “Marketplace Fairness Act” (S. 743). However, the bill must still be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.

SEMA Creates Webpage With Resources for Understanding New Health Care Law

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:53:24 -0700

SEMA has created a webpage with information to help SEMA members understand the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.” The new health care law is being phased in over a number of years, and January 2014 is the deadline for larger companies to offer coverage or pay a penalty.

North Carolina Bill to Speed Titling Process for Out-of-State Older Vehicles Approved by Senate, Sent to House

chads@sema.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:33:34 -0700

Legislation to provide for the prompt issuance of titles to owners of out-of-state motor vehicles that are 35 years old or older was approved by the North Carolina Senate with amendments.

Colorado Bill to Extend Emissions Inspection Waiver Approved by Committee, Sent to Senate

chads@sema.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:29:53 -0700

SEMA-supported legislation to extend the new car emissions inspection exemption from four to seven model years has been approved by two Senate Committees and sent to the Senate floor.

Bill to Provide for Single License Plate Introduced in Ohio

chads@sema.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:26:59 -0700

SEMA-supported legislation has been introduced in Ohio to require that motor vehicles display only a single license plate on the rear of the vehicle.

Pro-Hobbyist Inoperable Vehicle Bill Moves to Nevada Senate

chads@sema.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:23:57 -0700

Working with Nevada lawmakers, SEMA amended legislation that originally threatened to add abandoned, unregistered, inoperable or junk motor vehicles to the list of items that constitute a public nuisance.

Florida Bill to Eliminate Ethanol Requirement Sent to Governor

chads@sema.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:20:28 -0700

Legislation to repeal the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved by the Senate on a 33–1 vote.

Promote the Auto Hobby This July—Get in on the Collector Car Appreciation Day Celebration

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:09:05 -0700

Summer is around the corner and that means Collector Car Appreciation Day is quickly approaching! With great anticipation of this year’s festivities, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) will continue announcing our hobby’s “holiday” and listing those who are stepping up to honor the occasion.

Federal Government Sets Voluntary Limits on Electronic Products That May Distract Drivers

chads@sema.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:53:58 -0700

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving a car. These voluntary guidelines do not have the effect of law and would apply to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles.

Pro-Hobbyist Inoperable Vehicle Bill to Be Considered by Nevada Assembly

chads@sema.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:50:50 -0700

Bill to Reduce Florida Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Approved by Senate Committee

chads@sema.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:48:17 -0700

SEMA is supporting legislation to reduce the annual vehicle registration fees for automobiles and light trucks.

Bill to Open Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area to Off-Road Vehicles Awaits Governor’s Approval

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:41:57 -0700

Legislation to approve a regulation allowing off-road vehicles to operate on trails included in the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area has been approved by the West Virginia legislature and is now awaiting the governor’s signature and enactment into law.

South Carolina Proposes Increase to Registration Fees

chads@sema.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:31:59 -0700

SEMA is opposing South Carolina legislation to increase biennial registration fees for motor vehicles. The bill would increase the registration fees for private passenger vehicles, excluding trucks, from $24 to $36 for persons under age 65.