By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
A version of SEMA-model legislation to prohibit cities or towns from enforcing an ordinance that prevents automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby was denied further consideration by the House Local Government Committee after initial review. The bill had been substantially amended and passed by the Washington State Senate before being sent to the House. Under the original bill, inoperable vehicles stored on private property would only have required screening from public view. Six or fewer 30-year-old and older vehicles, including one parts car, would have been permitted for hobby vehicle restoration.
Under the amended bill, however, private restorers would have been limited to only three 30-year-old and older vehicles that are being actively restored. The amended bill also placed the burden of proving compliance on the property owner by “preponderance of the evidence.” SEMA did not support the amended bill, but looks forward to the opportunity to work with lawmakers in 2014 to craft legislation beneficial to the automobile hobby.
For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.