Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

SEMA joined with the National Association of Manufacturers and a number of other organizations in urging Congress to extend the 100% bonus depreciation through 2012. The depreciation had been at 100% since 2010 but dropped to 50% January 1, 2012. Lawmakers are considering whether to include the extension within a larger bill to extend the payroll tax cuts for the rest of the year. The depreciation provision would allow businesses to write-off 100% of the cost of new equipment in the first year rather than depreciating the cost over multiple years. SEMA contends the depreciation write-off encourages companies to invest in newer, more efficient equipment and spurs sales and creates jobs. 

The White House supports the bonus depreciation extension and has included the provision in its own $48 billion small-business growth proposal. Other elements of the Obama administration program would include an elimination of capital-gain taxes from investments in small businesses, a 10% tax credit for companies that create new jobs in 2012 and a termination of country-specific immigration caps for skilled worker visas. The proposal must be approved by Congress in the form of legislation. 

For more information, contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

SEMA joined with the National Association of Manufacturers and a number of other organizations in urging Congress to extend the 100% bonus depreciation through 2012. The depreciation had been at 100% since 2010 but dropped to 50% January 1, 2012. Lawmakers are considering whether to include the extension within a larger bill to extend the payroll tax cuts for the rest of the year. The depreciation provision would allow businesses to write-off 100% of the cost of new equipment in the first year rather than depreciating the cost over multiple years. SEMA contends the depreciation write-off encourages companies to invest in newer, more efficient equipment and spurs sales and creates jobs. 

The White House supports the bonus depreciation extension and has included the provision in its own $48 billion small-business growth proposal. Other elements of the Obama administration program would include an elimination of capital-gain taxes from investments in small businesses, a 10% tax credit for companies that create new jobs in 2012 and a termination of country-specific immigration caps for skilled worker visas. The proposal must be approved by Congress in the form of legislation. 

For more information, contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill has been introduced in the New York Assembly to exempt restoration and custom shops from the state’s motor-vehicle repair shop requirements. This exemption would relieve these shops from the obligation to provide written estimates to customers seeking restoration, rebuild or customization work on specialty motor vehicles or motor vehicles at least 25 years old. 

The measure would allow restoration and custom shops 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 has been introduced in the New York Assembly to exempt restoration and custom shops from the state’s motor-vehicle repair shop requirements. This exemption would relieve these shops from the obligation to provide written estimates to customers seeking restoration, rebuild or customization work on specialty motor vehicles or motor vehicles at least 25 years old. 

The measure would allow restoration and custom shops 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.

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” has been introduced in the Maryland Legislature. Under the bill, the age requirement would be raised from 20 to at least 25 years old and would prohibit these cars from being used for “occasional transportation.” 

The measure would also require that an historic vehicle is insured by an historic vehicle, show vehicle or antique insurance policy. A hearing to consider the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2012, in the Environmental Matters Committee. SEMA is opposing the bill. 

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

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” has been introduced in the Maryland Legislature. Under the bill, the age requirement would be raised from 20 to at least 25 years old and would prohibit these cars from being used for “occasional transportation.” 

The measure would also require that an historic vehicle is insured by an historic vehicle, show vehicle or antique insurance policy. A hearing to consider the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2012, in the Environmental Matters Committee. SEMA is opposing the bill. 

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

A SEMA-supported bill in the Utah State Legislature to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time registration fee was approved by the Utah House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and would be exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements. The measure provides for a $40 one-time fee and would exempt vintage travel trailer owners from any future registration fees. 

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