SEMA-opposed legislation to change labeling requirements on gas pumps across the state so that labeling is only required when gasoline contains 11% or more alcohol has been introduced in Nebraska.

At the insistence of SEMA, the sponsor of legislation that would have banned the sale of certain new motor-vehicle exhaust systems has decided to withdraw the measure from further consideration.

There may be nothing more American than a hot rod! As the rest of the world continues to adopt elements of our unique cultural identity, there are few things left that are truly American. Classic hot rods and musclecars are 100% American made. Unfortunately, these vehicles have long struggled to find there place in the law. Too often, a lack of knowledge and experience on behalf of legislators has led to bad laws that negatively impact our industry and the hobby. However, the staff and membership at SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) can have a direct impact on safeguarding the tradition of hot rodding in America.

SEMA members RTM Productions welcomed Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a behind-the-scenes tour and legislative briefing at its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1989, RTM produces automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming  for television, including the acclaimed PowerBlock TV series. In 2006, RTM consolidated its three locations and moved into a state-of-the-art 50,000-sq.-ft. facility. The production technical center features six full production studios and five editing suites along with the company's business offices.

Legislation (A.B. 135) that would give small-business owners a voice on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will be considered by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on Monday, March 21, 2011. Introduced by Assemblymember Curt Hagman, A.B. 135 would create a requirement for one member of the state’s Air Resources Board to be a current owner of a small business and have experience with a small business for 10 years.

A House Judiciary Subcommittee held a hearing on a SEMA-supported bill that would require federal judges to sanction plaintiffs and attorneys who file lawsuits the judges deem frivolous. Under current law, federal judges are allowed but not required to impose penalties.

The U.S. Senate has approved legislation to overhaul the federal patent system. The legislation has been debated and refined over the past six years. The bill has now been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

A SEMA-supported bill to ease the burden on hobbyists by providing an exemption from bonded title requirements has been signed into law by Governor Matt Mead. By allowing enthusiasts to title vehicles being restored for personal use without posting bond, the exemption reduces costs associated with titling hobby vehicles when an original title was never issued or can no longer be located.

SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was approved unanimously by the Washington State Senate. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 30 years old and manufactured after 1948.

SEMA-supported legislation to allow vehicles 30 years old and older to be classified as “vintage vehicles” was approved by the Utah Senate, having already been ratified by the House.