SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was approved by the full Texas House of Representatives.

SEMA is opposing a Massachusetts bill to ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emissions of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” An identical bill was introduced in 2009 by the same sponsor and was set aside for study without any committee consideration.

SEMA-supported legislation to provide that classic vehicles and classic rods would be exempted from emissions inspections if owners pay a one-time $6 fee and submit a certification that their vehicle will not be driven more than 5,000 miles per year will be considered by the Nevada Senate Transportation Committee.

A SEMA-opposed bill that would have severely limited vehicle suspension, body lift and wheel/tire alterations died without committee consideration. Specifically, H.B. 3147 sought to ban vehicles whose bumpers were elevated more than 3 in. over the original manufactured bumper clearance.

SEMA has joined a number of prominent organizations to form the “Save the Salt” Coalition to protect the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) from continued deterioration due to salt brine removal from potash mining. SEMA and the Coalition are working with government officials, mine operators and others to develop a permanent program to replenish the salt.

Legislation to exempt vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s annual emissions-inspection and maintenance program was passed by the Tennessee House and Senate.

SEMA-model legislation that would create a vehicle-registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was approved by the Texas House Transportation Committee.

Legislation to exempt all vehicles manufactured in the 1974 model year and earlier from the state’s mandatory biennial emissions inspection program was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.

After Congress acted last week to repeal the costly 1099 reporting requirement included in last year’s health care law, President Obama today signed the legislation into law. SEMA congratulates Congress and the President for acting to eliminate this burdensome requirement. Through this bipartisan agreement, small-business owners can continue to focus on economic growth and revitalization.

SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was signed into law by Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire.