California Extends New-Car Emissions Test Exemption to 8 Years
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:44

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

california
Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation into law to extend the emissions-inspection exemption for new cars from six to eight model years.

Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation into law to extend the emissions-inspection exemption for new cars from six to eight model years. Lawmakers acknowledged the relatively minimal environmental impact of these newly exempt vehicles. Most newer light-duty vehicles are equipped with cleaner technologies that typically pass smog checks after six years.

Under the new law, the newly exempted motor vehicles (model years seven and eight) will be subject to an annual smog abatement fee of $25. The law becomes effective on January 1, 2019. 

 

 

 

 

California Extends New-Car Emissions Test Exemption to 8 Years
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:44

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

california
Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation into law to extend the emissions-inspection exemption for new cars from six to eight model years.

Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation into law to extend the emissions-inspection exemption for new cars from six to eight model years. Lawmakers acknowledged the relatively minimal environmental impact of these newly exempt vehicles. Most newer light-duty vehicles are equipped with cleaner technologies that typically pass smog checks after six years.

Under the new law, the newly exempted motor vehicles (model years seven and eight) will be subject to an annual smog abatement fee of $25. The law becomes effective on January 1, 2019. 

 

 

 

 

Mark Your Calendars
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:43

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

Mark Your Calendars
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:43

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

President Trump Directs Federal Agencies to Expand Healthcare Coverage Options
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:39

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (E.O.) that directs the federal departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury to take action to increase healthcare competition and choice. The E.O. is a first step intended to offer employers with more options when providing health coverage and expand the types of plans available by eliminating some requirements mandated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is more commonly known as Obamacare. The changes are not immediate since agencies must first issue corresponding regulations. President Trump’s order directs the agencies to:

  • Expand association health plans (AHPs). These plans allow employers and individuals who are part of a common group (such as a trade association) to join together to offer healthcare in a single plan. The E.O. seeks to expand the availability of AHPs and allow these plans to comprise groups and individuals across state lines.
  • Expand short-term limited duration plans. These plans have traditionally provided health insurance for individuals transitioning from one insurance plan to another. They are not subject to the same requirements as individual health insurance coverage for the purposes of the ACA rules. The length of time individuals can stay on such plans would be expanded from the current three months’ limitation.
  • Expand the rules for health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). Allow health care premiums to be paid through HRAs, along with other changes. Under existing rules, most HRAs cannot be used to reimburse premiums for individual health insurance plans (although there is an exception to this for certain types of small business HRAs). 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

President Trump Directs Federal Agencies to Expand Healthcare Coverage Options
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:39

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (E.O.) that directs the federal departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury to take action to increase healthcare competition and choice. The E.O. is a first step intended to offer employers with more options when providing health coverage and expand the types of plans available by eliminating some requirements mandated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is more commonly known as Obamacare. The changes are not immediate since agencies must first issue corresponding regulations. President Trump’s order directs the agencies to:

  • Expand association health plans (AHPs). These plans allow employers and individuals who are part of a common group (such as a trade association) to join together to offer healthcare in a single plan. The E.O. seeks to expand the availability of AHPs and allow these plans to comprise groups and individuals across state lines.
  • Expand short-term limited duration plans. These plans have traditionally provided health insurance for individuals transitioning from one insurance plan to another. They are not subject to the same requirements as individual health insurance coverage for the purposes of the ACA rules. The length of time individuals can stay on such plans would be expanded from the current three months’ limitation.
  • Expand the rules for health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). Allow health care premiums to be paid through HRAs, along with other changes. Under existing rules, most HRAs cannot be used to reimburse premiums for individual health insurance plans (although there is an exception to this for certain types of small business HRAs). 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

President Trump Directs Federal Agencies to Expand Healthcare Coverage Options
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:39

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (E.O.) that directs the federal departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury to take action to increase healthcare competition and choice. The E.O. is a first step intended to offer employers with more options when providing health coverage and expand the types of plans available by eliminating some requirements mandated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is more commonly known as Obamacare. The changes are not immediate since agencies must first issue corresponding regulations. President Trump’s order directs the agencies to:

  • Expand association health plans (AHPs). These plans allow employers and individuals who are part of a common group (such as a trade association) to join together to offer healthcare in a single plan. The E.O. seeks to expand the availability of AHPs and allow these plans to comprise groups and individuals across state lines.
  • Expand short-term limited duration plans. These plans have traditionally provided health insurance for individuals transitioning from one insurance plan to another. They are not subject to the same requirements as individual health insurance coverage for the purposes of the ACA rules. The length of time individuals can stay on such plans would be expanded from the current three months’ limitation.
  • Expand the rules for health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). Allow health care premiums to be paid through HRAs, along with other changes. Under existing rules, most HRAs cannot be used to reimburse premiums for individual health insurance plans (although there is an exception to this for certain types of small business HRAs). 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Hot Links to Cool Sites
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:38

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

Turbinator II on Display at SEMA Show to Highlight Efforts to Restore Bonneville Salt Flats
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:36

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

turbinator
The Save the Salt booth in the Central Hall (booth #24099) of the 2017 SEMA Show will feature the Turbinator II, which ran 435.875 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, September 17.

Visit the Save the Salt booth in the Central Hall (booth #24099) of the 2017 SEMA Show to see the Turbinator II, which ran 435.875 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, September 17. Attendees will be able to view the machine and ask questions about a vehicle that is challenging land-speed records.   

The Salt Flats possess rare physical qualities that has made it a perfect land-speed racing venue since 1914. SEMA, along with other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition, are working closely with federal and state government officials and the adjoining potash mine owner to restore Bonneville. Since 1997, the racing community has worked to return salt each year, but it is a long-term project. 

For more information, visit www.savethesalt.org. 

Turbinator II on Display at SEMA Show to Highlight Efforts to Restore Bonneville Salt Flats
Thu, 10/19/2017 - 08:36

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

turbinator
The Save the Salt booth in the Central Hall (booth #24099) of the 2017 SEMA Show will feature the Turbinator II, which ran 435.875 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, September 17.

Visit the Save the Salt booth in the Central Hall (booth #24099) of the 2017 SEMA Show to see the Turbinator II, which ran 435.875 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, September 17. Attendees will be able to view the machine and ask questions about a vehicle that is challenging land-speed records.   

The Salt Flats possess rare physical qualities that has made it a perfect land-speed racing venue since 1914. SEMA, along with other organizations and companies comprising the Save the Salt Coalition, are working closely with federal and state government officials and the adjoining potash mine owner to restore Bonneville. Since 1997, the racing community has worked to return salt each year, but it is a long-term project. 

For more information, visit www.savethesalt.org.