A SEMA-supported bill has been introduced in the Washington State Senate 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, is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle.” The bill was considered January 17, 2012, in the Senate Government Operations Committee. 

SEMA is supporting a bill in the West Virginia State Legislature to provide owners of antique motor vehicles with an exemption from taxation and fees. The bill is pending in the House Roads and Transportation Committee for consideration. West Virginia law defines an "antique motor vehicle" to mean any motor vehicle that is more than 25 years old and is owned solely as a collector's item. 

SEMA-opposed legislation has been introduced in the Virginia State Legislature that threatens to provide localities with the authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount they may charge for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates and are not exempted from this requirement.

Pursuing a pro-growth manufacturing and job creation agenda, creating access to small business loans and credit, finding affordable health insurance options for employees, countering burdensome vehicle equipment regulations and combating counterfeit products are just a few of the political issues facing SEMA members during this critical election year.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) postponed the start date for a rule requiring employers to display a poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively. The rule is now scheduled to take effect April 30, 2012.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils this year announced July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

Truck drivers may be on the road up to 11 hours daily but must take a minimum break of at least 30 minutes after eight hours under a new rule issued by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

In March 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule establishing test procedures to be used by tire manufacturers when rating the fuel economy, safety and durability characteristics of replacement tires.

With the new year comes new legislative initiatives across the United States and Canada to be closely tracked and analyzed by SEMA’s government affairs office. Every year association staff screens thousands of bills and identifies hundreds that may be of interest to member companies and enthusiasts. The most pressing of these bills result in Action Alerts being shot out to members and highlighted in SEMA News and the SEMA Action Network’s monthly publication, Driving Force.