SEMA-model legislation that would allow vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was passed by the House Roads and Transportation Committee. The bill must now be approved by the Judiciary Committee before moving to the House floor for a vote by all members. Current West Virginia law only allows a muffler originally installed by the manufacturer or an equivalent.   

Among other things, the bill would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard, while benefitting consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-model legislation that would allow vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was passed by the House Roads and Transportation Committee. The bill must now be approved by the Judiciary Committee before moving to the House floor for a vote by all members. Current West Virginia law only allows a muffler originally installed by the manufacturer or an equivalent.   

Among other things, the bill would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard, while benefitting consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Legislation that originally sought to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that are eight model years old and newer was amended and approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. Under the amendment, the bill now would provide the exemption to vehicles six model years old and newer. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. Even with the amendment, this is still a bill worthy of support. The bill will now be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Legislation that originally sought to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that are eight model years old and newer was amended and approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. Under the amendment, the bill now would provide the exemption to vehicles six model years old and newer. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. Even with the amendment, this is still a bill worthy of support. The bill will now be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The Illinois House of Representatives has introduced legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15-blended fuel to consumers. The measure was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The Illinois House of Representatives has introduced legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15-blended fuel to consumers. The measure was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

In cooperation with Wisconsin's collector vehicle community, legislation has been introduced to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order. Under the bill, these registrations would be available to owners regardless of the vehicle’s color, former owner or previous uses. The measure ensures that all vehicles, including ones that predate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or are specifically exempted from them, are not denied registration or forced into a highly restrictive registration class, for non-compliance with FMVSS. This includes pre-’68 vehicles, imports, kit-cars, government surplus vehicles, etc.

In addition, the bill allows owners of government surplus (former military) vehicles the option to license them for regular uses, provided the vehicle meets the Wisconsin equipment requirements. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

In cooperation with Wisconsin's collector vehicle community, legislation has been introduced to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order. Under the bill, these registrations would be available to owners regardless of the vehicle’s color, former owner or previous uses. The measure ensures that all vehicles, including ones that predate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or are specifically exempted from them, are not denied registration or forced into a highly restrictive registration class, for non-compliance with FMVSS. This includes pre-’68 vehicles, imports, kit-cars, government surplus vehicles, etc.

In addition, the bill allows owners of government surplus (former military) vehicles the option to license them for regular uses, provided the vehicle meets the Wisconsin equipment requirements. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was approved by the Washington State House Business & Financial Services Committee and now moves to the House Rules Committee for consideration. 

The bill has already been passed by the Washington State Senate. If the bill passes in the full House, it will be sent to the governor for her signature and enactment into law. Under a SEMA-drafted amendment, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was approved by the Washington State House Business & Financial Services Committee and now moves to the House Rules Committee for consideration. 

The bill has already been passed by the Washington State Senate. If the bill passes in the full House, it will be sent to the governor for her signature and enactment into law. Under a SEMA-drafted amendment, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.