Government Affairs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.