The SEMA Show Budget Checklist helps exhibitors track costs and properly prepare for the 2015 SEMA Show. Access the SEMA Show Bugdet Checklist at www.SEMAShow.com/budget-checklist.

By SEMA Editors

Access the ESM—Step 1 for All Exhibitors

The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) contains information about virtually every item any exhibitor needs in order to set a budget, acquire booth space, set up and coordinate displays and garner sales leads. The ESM is available online at www.SEMAShow.com/esm.

Advance Rate on New Products Showcase Entries Expires Next Week! – Submit now to save.

While the first new-product submission is always free, the deadline to enter an additional product in the New Products Showcase and receive the advance rate of $75 is Friday, October 9. After the deadline, the fee is $150 for each additional product entered into the Showcase. To learn more about the showcase and its value for exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show website.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. Check out the video presentation from SEMA’s Tom Gattuso and Brendan Gillespie on Booth Design/Budgeting for additional tips and how to avoid last-minute surprises and unexpected expenses.

October 2: Booth Catering Service (Advance Rate) – ARAMARK
October 2: Fabric Solutions – Freeman
October 2: Target Date Changes – Freeman
October 5: Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate) – Carpet, Furnishings & Booth Rentals – Freeman
October 8: Additional New Products Entry Advance Rate Discount
October 9: Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)
October 9: Cable Order (Advance Rate) – Smart City
October 9: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (If purchased from John Buttine Inc.)
October 9: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Cox Business (LVCC)
October 9: New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
October 9: Project Vehicle Builders
October 12: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Encore (Westgate)
October 16: Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application

10 Myths of the SEMA Show

In the video below, SEMA Show Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso shares the 10 Most Common Myths that his team hears while working with exhibitors. Find out what’s true and what’s false, and how the right information can help you best prepare for the SEMA Show.

Mothers Offers Free Vehicle Wipe-Down Service

Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners will sponsor a free vehicle wipe-down program for 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors. The service is limited to the first 200 exhibitors, with applications due October 2. One booth or feature vehicle per exhibitor is eligible and will receive a wipe-down each day of the Show.

For complete guidelines and to apply, select the “Vehicle Wipedown Application” within the Exhibitor Manual at www.SEMAShow.com.

Questions can be directed to the SEMA Show customer service team, 909-396-0289, or email wipedown@sema.org.

Get In and Out Quickly With the Las Vegas Monorail

	Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

Regardless of how much traffic is on Las Vegas streets, the Monorail keeps moving and connecting riders with many Las Vegas destinations. Aside from avoiding street traffic, Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

The Monorail's seven stations are located at:

• MGM Grand
• Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas 
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace  
• Harrah’s/The LINQ
• Las Vegas Convention Center  
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino 
• SLS Las Vegas

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the complete information about the 2015 SEMA Show. 

Official Registration Partner – CompuSystems
CompuSystems provides registration and lead retrieval services for the SEMA Show, including TrafficMax, a 24/7 online targeting tool designed to increase your domestic and international SEMA Show buyer outreach.

Official Caterer – ARAMARK
ARAMARK provides dining solutions at the SEMA Show and can have food delivered to your booth so you can concentrate on business.

SEMA Show management takes great care to ensure that official partners offer the best value and customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact Show management to have your Show-related questions answered.

	The SEMA Show Budget Checklist helps exhibitors track costs and properly prepare for the 2015 SEMA Show. Access the SEMA Show Bugdet Checklist at www.SEMAShow.com/budget-checklist.

By SEMA Editors

Access the ESM—Step 1 for All Exhibitors

The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) contains information about virtually every item any exhibitor needs in order to set a budget, acquire booth space, set up and coordinate displays and garner sales leads. The ESM is available online at www.SEMAShow.com/esm.

Advance Rate on New Products Showcase Entries Expires Next Week! – Submit now to save.

While the first new-product submission is always free, the deadline to enter an additional product in the New Products Showcase and receive the advance rate of $75 is Friday, October 9. After the deadline, the fee is $150 for each additional product entered into the Showcase. To learn more about the showcase and its value for exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show website.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. Check out the video presentation from SEMA’s Tom Gattuso and Brendan Gillespie on Booth Design/Budgeting for additional tips and how to avoid last-minute surprises and unexpected expenses.

October 2: Booth Catering Service (Advance Rate) – ARAMARK
October 2: Fabric Solutions – Freeman
October 2: Target Date Changes – Freeman
October 5: Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate) – Carpet, Furnishings & Booth Rentals – Freeman
October 8: Additional New Products Entry Advance Rate Discount
October 9: Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)
October 9: Cable Order (Advance Rate) – Smart City
October 9: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (If purchased from John Buttine Inc.)
October 9: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Cox Business (LVCC)
October 9: New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
October 9: Project Vehicle Builders
October 12: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Encore (Westgate)
October 16: Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application

10 Myths of the SEMA Show

In the video below, SEMA Show Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso shares the 10 Most Common Myths that his team hears while working with exhibitors. Find out what’s true and what’s false, and how the right information can help you best prepare for the SEMA Show.

Mothers Offers Free Vehicle Wipe-Down Service

Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners will sponsor a free vehicle wipe-down program for 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors. The service is limited to the first 200 exhibitors, with applications due October 2. One booth or feature vehicle per exhibitor is eligible and will receive a wipe-down each day of the Show.

For complete guidelines and to apply, select the “Vehicle Wipedown Application” within the Exhibitor Manual at www.SEMAShow.com.

Questions can be directed to the SEMA Show customer service team, 909-396-0289, or email wipedown@sema.org.

Get In and Out Quickly With the Las Vegas Monorail

	Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

Regardless of how much traffic is on Las Vegas streets, the Monorail keeps moving and connecting riders with many Las Vegas destinations. Aside from avoiding street traffic, Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

The Monorail's seven stations are located at:

• MGM Grand
• Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas 
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace  
• Harrah’s/The LINQ
• Las Vegas Convention Center  
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino 
• SLS Las Vegas

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the complete information about the 2015 SEMA Show. 

Official Registration Partner – CompuSystems
CompuSystems provides registration and lead retrieval services for the SEMA Show, including TrafficMax, a 24/7 online targeting tool designed to increase your domestic and international SEMA Show buyer outreach.

Official Caterer – ARAMARK
ARAMARK provides dining solutions at the SEMA Show and can have food delivered to your booth so you can concentrate on business.

SEMA Show management takes great care to ensure that official partners offer the best value and customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact Show management to have your Show-related questions answered.

	The SEMA Show Budget Checklist helps exhibitors track costs and properly prepare for the 2015 SEMA Show. Access the SEMA Show Bugdet Checklist at www.SEMAShow.com/budget-checklist.

By SEMA Editors

Access the ESM—Step 1 for All Exhibitors

The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) contains information about virtually every item any exhibitor needs in order to set a budget, acquire booth space, set up and coordinate displays and garner sales leads. The ESM is available online at www.SEMAShow.com/esm.

Advance Rate on New Products Showcase Entries Expires Next Week! – Submit now to save.

While the first new-product submission is always free, the deadline to enter an additional product in the New Products Showcase and receive the advance rate of $75 is Friday, October 9. After the deadline, the fee is $150 for each additional product entered into the Showcase. To learn more about the showcase and its value for exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show website.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. Check out the video presentation from SEMA’s Tom Gattuso and Brendan Gillespie on Booth Design/Budgeting for additional tips and how to avoid last-minute surprises and unexpected expenses.

October 2: Booth Catering Service (Advance Rate) – ARAMARK
October 2: Fabric Solutions – Freeman
October 2: Target Date Changes – Freeman
October 5: Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate) – Carpet, Furnishings & Booth Rentals – Freeman
October 8: Additional New Products Entry Advance Rate Discount
October 9: Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)
October 9: Cable Order (Advance Rate) – Smart City
October 9: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (If purchased from John Buttine Inc.)
October 9: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Cox Business (LVCC)
October 9: New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
October 9: Project Vehicle Builders
October 12: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Encore (Westgate)
October 16: Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application

10 Myths of the SEMA Show

In the video below, SEMA Show Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso shares the 10 Most Common Myths that his team hears while working with exhibitors. Find out what’s true and what’s false, and how the right information can help you best prepare for the SEMA Show.

Mothers Offers Free Vehicle Wipe-Down Service

Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners will sponsor a free vehicle wipe-down program for 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors. The service is limited to the first 200 exhibitors, with applications due October 2. One booth or feature vehicle per exhibitor is eligible and will receive a wipe-down each day of the Show.

For complete guidelines and to apply, select the “Vehicle Wipedown Application” within the Exhibitor Manual at www.SEMAShow.com.

Questions can be directed to the SEMA Show customer service team, 909-396-0289, or email wipedown@sema.org.

Get In and Out Quickly With the Las Vegas Monorail

	Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

Regardless of how much traffic is on Las Vegas streets, the Monorail keeps moving and connecting riders with many Las Vegas destinations. Aside from avoiding street traffic, Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

The Monorail's seven stations are located at:

• MGM Grand
• Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas 
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace  
• Harrah’s/The LINQ
• Las Vegas Convention Center  
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino 
• SLS Las Vegas

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the complete information about the 2015 SEMA Show. 

Official Registration Partner – CompuSystems
CompuSystems provides registration and lead retrieval services for the SEMA Show, including TrafficMax, a 24/7 online targeting tool designed to increase your domestic and international SEMA Show buyer outreach.

Official Caterer – ARAMARK
ARAMARK provides dining solutions at the SEMA Show and can have food delivered to your booth so you can concentrate on business.

SEMA Show management takes great care to ensure that official partners offer the best value and customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact Show management to have your Show-related questions answered.

	The SEMA Show Budget Checklist helps exhibitors track costs and properly prepare for the 2015 SEMA Show. Access the SEMA Show Bugdet Checklist at www.SEMAShow.com/budget-checklist.

By SEMA Editors

Access the ESM—Step 1 for All Exhibitors

The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) contains information about virtually every item any exhibitor needs in order to set a budget, acquire booth space, set up and coordinate displays and garner sales leads. The ESM is available online at www.SEMAShow.com/esm.

Advance Rate on New Products Showcase Entries Expires Next Week! – Submit now to save.

While the first new-product submission is always free, the deadline to enter an additional product in the New Products Showcase and receive the advance rate of $75 is Friday, October 9. After the deadline, the fee is $150 for each additional product entered into the Showcase. To learn more about the showcase and its value for exhibitors, visit the SEMA Show website.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. Check out the video presentation from SEMA’s Tom Gattuso and Brendan Gillespie on Booth Design/Budgeting for additional tips and how to avoid last-minute surprises and unexpected expenses.

October 2: Booth Catering Service (Advance Rate) – ARAMARK
October 2: Fabric Solutions – Freeman
October 2: Target Date Changes – Freeman
October 5: Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate) – Carpet, Furnishings & Booth Rentals – Freeman
October 8: Additional New Products Entry Advance Rate Discount
October 9: Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)
October 9: Cable Order (Advance Rate) – Smart City
October 9: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (If purchased from John Buttine Inc.)
October 9: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Cox Business (LVCC)
October 9: New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
October 9: Project Vehicle Builders
October 12: Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate) – Encore (Westgate)
October 16: Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application

10 Myths of the SEMA Show

In the video below, SEMA Show Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso shares the 10 Most Common Myths that his team hears while working with exhibitors. Find out what’s true and what’s false, and how the right information can help you best prepare for the SEMA Show.

Mothers Offers Free Vehicle Wipe-Down Service

Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners will sponsor a free vehicle wipe-down program for 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors. The service is limited to the first 200 exhibitors, with applications due October 2. One booth or feature vehicle per exhibitor is eligible and will receive a wipe-down each day of the Show.

For complete guidelines and to apply, select the “Vehicle Wipedown Application” within the Exhibitor Manual at www.SEMAShow.com.

Questions can be directed to the SEMA Show customer service team, 909-396-0289, or email wipedown@sema.org.

Get In and Out Quickly With the Las Vegas Monorail

	Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

Regardless of how much traffic is on Las Vegas streets, the Monorail keeps moving and connecting riders with many Las Vegas destinations. Aside from avoiding street traffic, Showgoers using the Las Vegas Monorail will benefit from the low-cost convenience of multiple-day passes, as well as flexible pricing options to accommodate any length of stay.

The Monorail's seven stations are located at:

• MGM Grand
• Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas 
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace  
• Harrah’s/The LINQ
• Las Vegas Convention Center  
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino 
• SLS Las Vegas

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the complete information about the 2015 SEMA Show. 

Official Registration Partner – CompuSystems
CompuSystems provides registration and lead retrieval services for the SEMA Show, including TrafficMax, a 24/7 online targeting tool designed to increase your domestic and international SEMA Show buyer outreach.

Official Caterer – ARAMARK
ARAMARK provides dining solutions at the SEMA Show and can have food delivered to your booth so you can concentrate on business.

SEMA Show management takes great care to ensure that official partners offer the best value and customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact Show management to have your Show-related questions answered.

SEMA News—October 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

By Steve McDonald

Pennsylvania Ethanol: A legislative proposal to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The state currently requires that “all gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume….” After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will be considered in a vote by all members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Law and Order

Michigan Registration Fees:
Legislation to increase the initial registration and transfer registration tax by $100 was introduced. Under the bill, the increase would apply only to the first registration and the first registration after a transfer registration.

Michigan Road User Fee:
A bill was introduced to require the state to charge and collect a user fee from each registrant of a motor vehicle. The fee would come in addition to the vehicle registration tax. The user fee would be $50 for each 10,000 miles driven by the registrant during the one-year period immediately preceding a registration renewal. The measure would require that a vehicle registrant appear in person at an office of the secretary of state at the time of vehicle registration renewal to allow the state to verify the current mileage of the vehicle, calculate and collect the user fee.

Oregon Ethanol:
An effort to remove the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in Oregon contain a percentage of ethanol died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Currently, the state requires that “a retail dealer, nonretail dealer or wholesale dealer may not sell or offer for sale gasoline unless the gasoline contains 10% ethanol by volume.” The bill recognized that while the current ethanol mandate does not apply to fuel used in antique, all-terrain and racing vehicles, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

Oregon Miles-Traveled Tax:
A bill to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles-traveled tax program to a mandatory program died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill did not receive committee consideration. The mandatory program would have applied to all high-mileage vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not have paid the gas tax that applies to all other vehicles.

Canada Automotive Heritage Month: The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan each issued a proclamation designating July 2015 as Automotive Heritage Month. These provinces joined British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia as jurisdictions that have officially recognized this celebration of collector cars. Since 2010, the U.S. Senate has passed resolutions at SEMA’s request to acknowledge Collector Car Appreciation Day, which serves to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. This year’s celebration took place on July 10.

Tax Extenders:
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to extend tax breaks of key importance to SEMA members. The bill extends for two years the research and development tax credit, which provides businesses a credit equal to 20% of research expenses incurred over and above the average amount the company invested in research for the prior four years. The legislation encourages businesses to make capital expenditures by providing 50% bonus depreciation on qualified property purchased before January 1, 2017. The bill would extend Section 179 expensing, which permits small businesses to deduct up to $500,000 in capital investments made in the year of the investment and also extends the seven-year depreciation recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes. The bill next proceeds to the Senate floor for consideration. The House has already passed many of the
same provisions.

E-Warranties:
The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by providing warranty information online. Under the legislation, companies providing the online information would be required to alert consumers on how to access their websites either on products, their packaging or in accompanying manuals. They would also be required to provide a non-Internet-based platform for individuals to access information about the warranty, such as a mailing address or a phone number. While the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t require companies to provide consumers with a written warranty, those that do must comply with the agency’s rules. This legislation helps businesses that provide warranty information save money through electronic communications and allows consumers to access information online rather than through paperwork or product packaging. The Senate has already passed an identical version of the bill.

Mandatory Overtime Pay:
Employers are currently exempt from paying salaried employees overtime if they make more than about $23,660. The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed increasing this level to about $50,440 per year. The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes federal minimum wage and overtime rules for employees. The rules include exemptions for executive, administrative, professional and other “white-collar” employees. The exemption includes certain minimum qualification tests regarding primary job duties and levels of pay. The minimum pay levels have not been raised in a number of years. The DOL’s proposed rule would increase that amount and index it for future annual raises. The proposal is now subject to public comment.

HFC-134a Refrigerant:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will ban the use of HFC-134a as a motor-vehicle air-conditioning system refrigerant beginning with model-year ’21 new vehicles. The rule does not apply to the use of HFC-134a in vehicles already in use or the continued servicing of those vehicles with the refrigerant. Although HFC-134a was approved for use years ago, the EPA has now identified other chemicals to be more environmentally friendly substitutes to chlorofluorocarbons.

National Monuments:
President Obama has designated three more national monuments, including the 700,000-plus-acre Basin and Range National Monument in Eastern Nevada and the 330,000-acre Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument in Northern California. The administration has now designated 19 national monuments since 2009. SEMA opposes the designations, since they automatically prohibit new roads or trails for motorized vehicles and require that a new land management plan be drafted that could lead to more road closures. SEMA supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to curtail the president’s power to unilaterally designate national monuments by requiring their approval by Congress and the impacted states.

SEMA News—October 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

By Steve McDonald

Pennsylvania Ethanol: A legislative proposal to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The state currently requires that “all gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume….” After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will be considered in a vote by all members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Law and Order

Michigan Registration Fees:
Legislation to increase the initial registration and transfer registration tax by $100 was introduced. Under the bill, the increase would apply only to the first registration and the first registration after a transfer registration.

Michigan Road User Fee:
A bill was introduced to require the state to charge and collect a user fee from each registrant of a motor vehicle. The fee would come in addition to the vehicle registration tax. The user fee would be $50 for each 10,000 miles driven by the registrant during the one-year period immediately preceding a registration renewal. The measure would require that a vehicle registrant appear in person at an office of the secretary of state at the time of vehicle registration renewal to allow the state to verify the current mileage of the vehicle, calculate and collect the user fee.

Oregon Ethanol:
An effort to remove the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in Oregon contain a percentage of ethanol died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Currently, the state requires that “a retail dealer, nonretail dealer or wholesale dealer may not sell or offer for sale gasoline unless the gasoline contains 10% ethanol by volume.” The bill recognized that while the current ethanol mandate does not apply to fuel used in antique, all-terrain and racing vehicles, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

Oregon Miles-Traveled Tax:
A bill to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles-traveled tax program to a mandatory program died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill did not receive committee consideration. The mandatory program would have applied to all high-mileage vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not have paid the gas tax that applies to all other vehicles.

Canada Automotive Heritage Month: The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan each issued a proclamation designating July 2015 as Automotive Heritage Month. These provinces joined British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia as jurisdictions that have officially recognized this celebration of collector cars. Since 2010, the U.S. Senate has passed resolutions at SEMA’s request to acknowledge Collector Car Appreciation Day, which serves to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. This year’s celebration took place on July 10.

Tax Extenders:
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to extend tax breaks of key importance to SEMA members. The bill extends for two years the research and development tax credit, which provides businesses a credit equal to 20% of research expenses incurred over and above the average amount the company invested in research for the prior four years. The legislation encourages businesses to make capital expenditures by providing 50% bonus depreciation on qualified property purchased before January 1, 2017. The bill would extend Section 179 expensing, which permits small businesses to deduct up to $500,000 in capital investments made in the year of the investment and also extends the seven-year depreciation recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes. The bill next proceeds to the Senate floor for consideration. The House has already passed many of the
same provisions.

E-Warranties:
The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by providing warranty information online. Under the legislation, companies providing the online information would be required to alert consumers on how to access their websites either on products, their packaging or in accompanying manuals. They would also be required to provide a non-Internet-based platform for individuals to access information about the warranty, such as a mailing address or a phone number. While the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t require companies to provide consumers with a written warranty, those that do must comply with the agency’s rules. This legislation helps businesses that provide warranty information save money through electronic communications and allows consumers to access information online rather than through paperwork or product packaging. The Senate has already passed an identical version of the bill.

Mandatory Overtime Pay:
Employers are currently exempt from paying salaried employees overtime if they make more than about $23,660. The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed increasing this level to about $50,440 per year. The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes federal minimum wage and overtime rules for employees. The rules include exemptions for executive, administrative, professional and other “white-collar” employees. The exemption includes certain minimum qualification tests regarding primary job duties and levels of pay. The minimum pay levels have not been raised in a number of years. The DOL’s proposed rule would increase that amount and index it for future annual raises. The proposal is now subject to public comment.

HFC-134a Refrigerant:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will ban the use of HFC-134a as a motor-vehicle air-conditioning system refrigerant beginning with model-year ’21 new vehicles. The rule does not apply to the use of HFC-134a in vehicles already in use or the continued servicing of those vehicles with the refrigerant. Although HFC-134a was approved for use years ago, the EPA has now identified other chemicals to be more environmentally friendly substitutes to chlorofluorocarbons.

National Monuments:
President Obama has designated three more national monuments, including the 700,000-plus-acre Basin and Range National Monument in Eastern Nevada and the 330,000-acre Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument in Northern California. The administration has now designated 19 national monuments since 2009. SEMA opposes the designations, since they automatically prohibit new roads or trails for motorized vehicles and require that a new land management plan be drafted that could lead to more road closures. SEMA supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to curtail the president’s power to unilaterally designate national monuments by requiring their approval by Congress and the impacted states.

SEMA News—October 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

By Steve McDonald

Pennsylvania Ethanol: A legislative proposal to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The state currently requires that “all gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume….” After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will be considered in a vote by all members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Law and Order

Michigan Registration Fees:
Legislation to increase the initial registration and transfer registration tax by $100 was introduced. Under the bill, the increase would apply only to the first registration and the first registration after a transfer registration.

Michigan Road User Fee:
A bill was introduced to require the state to charge and collect a user fee from each registrant of a motor vehicle. The fee would come in addition to the vehicle registration tax. The user fee would be $50 for each 10,000 miles driven by the registrant during the one-year period immediately preceding a registration renewal. The measure would require that a vehicle registrant appear in person at an office of the secretary of state at the time of vehicle registration renewal to allow the state to verify the current mileage of the vehicle, calculate and collect the user fee.

Oregon Ethanol:
An effort to remove the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in Oregon contain a percentage of ethanol died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Currently, the state requires that “a retail dealer, nonretail dealer or wholesale dealer may not sell or offer for sale gasoline unless the gasoline contains 10% ethanol by volume.” The bill recognized that while the current ethanol mandate does not apply to fuel used in antique, all-terrain and racing vehicles, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

Oregon Miles-Traveled Tax:
A bill to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles-traveled tax program to a mandatory program died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill did not receive committee consideration. The mandatory program would have applied to all high-mileage vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not have paid the gas tax that applies to all other vehicles.

Canada Automotive Heritage Month: The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan each issued a proclamation designating July 2015 as Automotive Heritage Month. These provinces joined British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia as jurisdictions that have officially recognized this celebration of collector cars. Since 2010, the U.S. Senate has passed resolutions at SEMA’s request to acknowledge Collector Car Appreciation Day, which serves to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. This year’s celebration took place on July 10.

Tax Extenders:
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to extend tax breaks of key importance to SEMA members. The bill extends for two years the research and development tax credit, which provides businesses a credit equal to 20% of research expenses incurred over and above the average amount the company invested in research for the prior four years. The legislation encourages businesses to make capital expenditures by providing 50% bonus depreciation on qualified property purchased before January 1, 2017. The bill would extend Section 179 expensing, which permits small businesses to deduct up to $500,000 in capital investments made in the year of the investment and also extends the seven-year depreciation recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes. The bill next proceeds to the Senate floor for consideration. The House has already passed many of the
same provisions.

E-Warranties:
The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by providing warranty information online. Under the legislation, companies providing the online information would be required to alert consumers on how to access their websites either on products, their packaging or in accompanying manuals. They would also be required to provide a non-Internet-based platform for individuals to access information about the warranty, such as a mailing address or a phone number. While the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t require companies to provide consumers with a written warranty, those that do must comply with the agency’s rules. This legislation helps businesses that provide warranty information save money through electronic communications and allows consumers to access information online rather than through paperwork or product packaging. The Senate has already passed an identical version of the bill.

Mandatory Overtime Pay:
Employers are currently exempt from paying salaried employees overtime if they make more than about $23,660. The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed increasing this level to about $50,440 per year. The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes federal minimum wage and overtime rules for employees. The rules include exemptions for executive, administrative, professional and other “white-collar” employees. The exemption includes certain minimum qualification tests regarding primary job duties and levels of pay. The minimum pay levels have not been raised in a number of years. The DOL’s proposed rule would increase that amount and index it for future annual raises. The proposal is now subject to public comment.

HFC-134a Refrigerant:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will ban the use of HFC-134a as a motor-vehicle air-conditioning system refrigerant beginning with model-year ’21 new vehicles. The rule does not apply to the use of HFC-134a in vehicles already in use or the continued servicing of those vehicles with the refrigerant. Although HFC-134a was approved for use years ago, the EPA has now identified other chemicals to be more environmentally friendly substitutes to chlorofluorocarbons.

National Monuments:
President Obama has designated three more national monuments, including the 700,000-plus-acre Basin and Range National Monument in Eastern Nevada and the 330,000-acre Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument in Northern California. The administration has now designated 19 national monuments since 2009. SEMA opposes the designations, since they automatically prohibit new roads or trails for motorized vehicles and require that a new land management plan be drafted that could lead to more road closures. SEMA supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to curtail the president’s power to unilaterally designate national monuments by requiring their approval by Congress and the impacted states.

SEMA News—October 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

By Steve McDonald

Pennsylvania Ethanol: A legislative proposal to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The state currently requires that “all gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume….” After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will be considered in a vote by all members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Law and Order

Michigan Registration Fees:
Legislation to increase the initial registration and transfer registration tax by $100 was introduced. Under the bill, the increase would apply only to the first registration and the first registration after a transfer registration.

Michigan Road User Fee:
A bill was introduced to require the state to charge and collect a user fee from each registrant of a motor vehicle. The fee would come in addition to the vehicle registration tax. The user fee would be $50 for each 10,000 miles driven by the registrant during the one-year period immediately preceding a registration renewal. The measure would require that a vehicle registrant appear in person at an office of the secretary of state at the time of vehicle registration renewal to allow the state to verify the current mileage of the vehicle, calculate and collect the user fee.

Oregon Ethanol:
An effort to remove the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in Oregon contain a percentage of ethanol died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Currently, the state requires that “a retail dealer, nonretail dealer or wholesale dealer may not sell or offer for sale gasoline unless the gasoline contains 10% ethanol by volume.” The bill recognized that while the current ethanol mandate does not apply to fuel used in antique, all-terrain and racing vehicles, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

Oregon Miles-Traveled Tax:
A bill to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles-traveled tax program to a mandatory program died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill did not receive committee consideration. The mandatory program would have applied to all high-mileage vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not have paid the gas tax that applies to all other vehicles.

Canada Automotive Heritage Month: The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan each issued a proclamation designating July 2015 as Automotive Heritage Month. These provinces joined British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia as jurisdictions that have officially recognized this celebration of collector cars. Since 2010, the U.S. Senate has passed resolutions at SEMA’s request to acknowledge Collector Car Appreciation Day, which serves to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. This year’s celebration took place on July 10.

Tax Extenders:
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to extend tax breaks of key importance to SEMA members. The bill extends for two years the research and development tax credit, which provides businesses a credit equal to 20% of research expenses incurred over and above the average amount the company invested in research for the prior four years. The legislation encourages businesses to make capital expenditures by providing 50% bonus depreciation on qualified property purchased before January 1, 2017. The bill would extend Section 179 expensing, which permits small businesses to deduct up to $500,000 in capital investments made in the year of the investment and also extends the seven-year depreciation recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes. The bill next proceeds to the Senate floor for consideration. The House has already passed many of the
same provisions.

E-Warranties:
The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by providing warranty information online. Under the legislation, companies providing the online information would be required to alert consumers on how to access their websites either on products, their packaging or in accompanying manuals. They would also be required to provide a non-Internet-based platform for individuals to access information about the warranty, such as a mailing address or a phone number. While the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t require companies to provide consumers with a written warranty, those that do must comply with the agency’s rules. This legislation helps businesses that provide warranty information save money through electronic communications and allows consumers to access information online rather than through paperwork or product packaging. The Senate has already passed an identical version of the bill.

Mandatory Overtime Pay:
Employers are currently exempt from paying salaried employees overtime if they make more than about $23,660. The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed increasing this level to about $50,440 per year. The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes federal minimum wage and overtime rules for employees. The rules include exemptions for executive, administrative, professional and other “white-collar” employees. The exemption includes certain minimum qualification tests regarding primary job duties and levels of pay. The minimum pay levels have not been raised in a number of years. The DOL’s proposed rule would increase that amount and index it for future annual raises. The proposal is now subject to public comment.

HFC-134a Refrigerant:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will ban the use of HFC-134a as a motor-vehicle air-conditioning system refrigerant beginning with model-year ’21 new vehicles. The rule does not apply to the use of HFC-134a in vehicles already in use or the continued servicing of those vehicles with the refrigerant. Although HFC-134a was approved for use years ago, the EPA has now identified other chemicals to be more environmentally friendly substitutes to chlorofluorocarbons.

National Monuments:
President Obama has designated three more national monuments, including the 700,000-plus-acre Basin and Range National Monument in Eastern Nevada and the 330,000-acre Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument in Northern California. The administration has now designated 19 national monuments since 2009. SEMA opposes the designations, since they automatically prohibit new roads or trails for motorized vehicles and require that a new land management plan be drafted that could lead to more road closures. SEMA supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to curtail the president’s power to unilaterally designate national monuments by requiring their approval by Congress and the impacted states.

SEMA News—October 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

By Steve McDonald

Pennsylvania Ethanol: A legislative proposal to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The state currently requires that “all gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume….” After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will be considered in a vote by all members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Law and Order

Michigan Registration Fees:
Legislation to increase the initial registration and transfer registration tax by $100 was introduced. Under the bill, the increase would apply only to the first registration and the first registration after a transfer registration.

Michigan Road User Fee:
A bill was introduced to require the state to charge and collect a user fee from each registrant of a motor vehicle. The fee would come in addition to the vehicle registration tax. The user fee would be $50 for each 10,000 miles driven by the registrant during the one-year period immediately preceding a registration renewal. The measure would require that a vehicle registrant appear in person at an office of the secretary of state at the time of vehicle registration renewal to allow the state to verify the current mileage of the vehicle, calculate and collect the user fee.

Oregon Ethanol:
An effort to remove the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in Oregon contain a percentage of ethanol died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Currently, the state requires that “a retail dealer, nonretail dealer or wholesale dealer may not sell or offer for sale gasoline unless the gasoline contains 10% ethanol by volume.” The bill recognized that while the current ethanol mandate does not apply to fuel used in antique, all-terrain and racing vehicles, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

Oregon Miles-Traveled Tax:
A bill to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles-traveled tax program to a mandatory program died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill did not receive committee consideration. The mandatory program would have applied to all high-mileage vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not have paid the gas tax that applies to all other vehicles.

Canada Automotive Heritage Month: The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan each issued a proclamation designating July 2015 as Automotive Heritage Month. These provinces joined British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia as jurisdictions that have officially recognized this celebration of collector cars. Since 2010, the U.S. Senate has passed resolutions at SEMA’s request to acknowledge Collector Car Appreciation Day, which serves to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. This year’s celebration took place on July 10.

Tax Extenders:
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to extend tax breaks of key importance to SEMA members. The bill extends for two years the research and development tax credit, which provides businesses a credit equal to 20% of research expenses incurred over and above the average amount the company invested in research for the prior four years. The legislation encourages businesses to make capital expenditures by providing 50% bonus depreciation on qualified property purchased before January 1, 2017. The bill would extend Section 179 expensing, which permits small businesses to deduct up to $500,000 in capital investments made in the year of the investment and also extends the seven-year depreciation recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes. The bill next proceeds to the Senate floor for consideration. The House has already passed many of the
same provisions.

E-Warranties:
The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by providing warranty information online. Under the legislation, companies providing the online information would be required to alert consumers on how to access their websites either on products, their packaging or in accompanying manuals. They would also be required to provide a non-Internet-based platform for individuals to access information about the warranty, such as a mailing address or a phone number. While the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t require companies to provide consumers with a written warranty, those that do must comply with the agency’s rules. This legislation helps businesses that provide warranty information save money through electronic communications and allows consumers to access information online rather than through paperwork or product packaging. The Senate has already passed an identical version of the bill.

Mandatory Overtime Pay:
Employers are currently exempt from paying salaried employees overtime if they make more than about $23,660. The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed increasing this level to about $50,440 per year. The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes federal minimum wage and overtime rules for employees. The rules include exemptions for executive, administrative, professional and other “white-collar” employees. The exemption includes certain minimum qualification tests regarding primary job duties and levels of pay. The minimum pay levels have not been raised in a number of years. The DOL’s proposed rule would increase that amount and index it for future annual raises. The proposal is now subject to public comment.

HFC-134a Refrigerant:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will ban the use of HFC-134a as a motor-vehicle air-conditioning system refrigerant beginning with model-year ’21 new vehicles. The rule does not apply to the use of HFC-134a in vehicles already in use or the continued servicing of those vehicles with the refrigerant. Although HFC-134a was approved for use years ago, the EPA has now identified other chemicals to be more environmentally friendly substitutes to chlorofluorocarbons.

National Monuments:
President Obama has designated three more national monuments, including the 700,000-plus-acre Basin and Range National Monument in Eastern Nevada and the 330,000-acre Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument in Northern California. The administration has now designated 19 national monuments since 2009. SEMA opposes the designations, since they automatically prohibit new roads or trails for motorized vehicles and require that a new land management plan be drafted that could lead to more road closures. SEMA supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to curtail the president’s power to unilaterally designate national monuments by requiring their approval by Congress and the impacted states.

SEMA News—October 2015

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

By Steve McDonald

Pennsylvania Ethanol: A legislative proposal to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was approved on a 23–3 vote by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The state currently requires that “all gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol by volume….” After a stop in the Appropriations Committee, the bill will be considered in a vote by all members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Law and Order

Michigan Registration Fees:
Legislation to increase the initial registration and transfer registration tax by $100 was introduced. Under the bill, the increase would apply only to the first registration and the first registration after a transfer registration.

Michigan Road User Fee:
A bill was introduced to require the state to charge and collect a user fee from each registrant of a motor vehicle. The fee would come in addition to the vehicle registration tax. The user fee would be $50 for each 10,000 miles driven by the registrant during the one-year period immediately preceding a registration renewal. The measure would require that a vehicle registrant appear in person at an office of the secretary of state at the time of vehicle registration renewal to allow the state to verify the current mileage of the vehicle, calculate and collect the user fee.

Oregon Ethanol:
An effort to remove the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in Oregon contain a percentage of ethanol died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Currently, the state requires that “a retail dealer, nonretail dealer or wholesale dealer may not sell or offer for sale gasoline unless the gasoline contains 10% ethanol by volume.” The bill recognized that while the current ethanol mandate does not apply to fuel used in antique, all-terrain and racing vehicles, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

Oregon Miles-Traveled Tax:
A bill to convert the state’s current voluntary vehicle miles-traveled tax program to a mandatory program died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill did not receive committee consideration. The mandatory program would have applied to all high-mileage vehicles that have a rating of 55 miles per gallon or better. These high-mileage vehicles would not have paid the gas tax that applies to all other vehicles.

Canada Automotive Heritage Month: The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan each issued a proclamation designating July 2015 as Automotive Heritage Month. These provinces joined British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia as jurisdictions that have officially recognized this celebration of collector cars. Since 2010, the U.S. Senate has passed resolutions at SEMA’s request to acknowledge Collector Car Appreciation Day, which serves to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. This year’s celebration took place on July 10.

Tax Extenders:
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to extend tax breaks of key importance to SEMA members. The bill extends for two years the research and development tax credit, which provides businesses a credit equal to 20% of research expenses incurred over and above the average amount the company invested in research for the prior four years. The legislation encourages businesses to make capital expenditures by providing 50% bonus depreciation on qualified property purchased before January 1, 2017. The bill would extend Section 179 expensing, which permits small businesses to deduct up to $500,000 in capital investments made in the year of the investment and also extends the seven-year depreciation recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes. The bill next proceeds to the Senate floor for consideration. The House has already passed many of the
same provisions.

E-Warranties:
The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by providing warranty information online. Under the legislation, companies providing the online information would be required to alert consumers on how to access their websites either on products, their packaging or in accompanying manuals. They would also be required to provide a non-Internet-based platform for individuals to access information about the warranty, such as a mailing address or a phone number. While the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t require companies to provide consumers with a written warranty, those that do must comply with the agency’s rules. This legislation helps businesses that provide warranty information save money through electronic communications and allows consumers to access information online rather than through paperwork or product packaging. The Senate has already passed an identical version of the bill.

Mandatory Overtime Pay:
Employers are currently exempt from paying salaried employees overtime if they make more than about $23,660. The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed increasing this level to about $50,440 per year. The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes federal minimum wage and overtime rules for employees. The rules include exemptions for executive, administrative, professional and other “white-collar” employees. The exemption includes certain minimum qualification tests regarding primary job duties and levels of pay. The minimum pay levels have not been raised in a number of years. The DOL’s proposed rule would increase that amount and index it for future annual raises. The proposal is now subject to public comment.

HFC-134a Refrigerant:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will ban the use of HFC-134a as a motor-vehicle air-conditioning system refrigerant beginning with model-year ’21 new vehicles. The rule does not apply to the use of HFC-134a in vehicles already in use or the continued servicing of those vehicles with the refrigerant. Although HFC-134a was approved for use years ago, the EPA has now identified other chemicals to be more environmentally friendly substitutes to chlorofluorocarbons.

National Monuments:
President Obama has designated three more national monuments, including the 700,000-plus-acre Basin and Range National Monument in Eastern Nevada and the 330,000-acre Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument in Northern California. The administration has now designated 19 national monuments since 2009. SEMA opposes the designations, since they automatically prohibit new roads or trails for motorized vehicles and require that a new land management plan be drafted that could lead to more road closures. SEMA supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to curtail the president’s power to unilaterally designate national monuments by requiring their approval by Congress and the impacted states.