SEMA has joined with the Association of California Car Clubs and other state enthusiast groups to support legislation that would establish the California Legacy License Plate Program.

In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation was approved by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions.

SEMA-supported legislation to provide a 10-year emissions inspection exemption for newly registered vehicles was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. Current law only provides a one-year exemption.

On July 13, 2012, SEMA members joined with SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts to celebrate the third annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). Nearly 200 official events were held in the United States, Canada and Australia to commemorate the day, designated by a SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution 452 sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC). 

At the request of organizers of Northwest Motorfest, Idaho Governor Butch Otter issued a proclamation designating July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” in the state. Idaho joins West Virginia, New Mexico, New York and Hawaii as states that have officially recognized the celebration.

Thanks to the efforts of Assemblyman Bill Reilich, the New York State Assembly issued a resolution memorializing Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the state. In West Virginia, at the request of Delegate Gary Howell, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued a proclamation also designating July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day.  

A rich fabric has been woven into our experience as Americans by the automotive hobby and the traditions that guide it. Although the variety of shapes, styles and ages of our prized collector cars is incredibly diverse, sharing our affinity for unique vehicles can create or even strengthen a common lifelong bond between family and friends.

SEMA-supported legislation to amend the state’s current law governing historic motor vehicles to permit their unlimited use as “exhibition” vehicles the entire month of August was passed by the Michigan House of Representatives on a 109 to 1 vote.

The U.S. House of Representatives amended the annual defense strategy bill to include a requirement that the United States Marines issue a report that considers alternative ways to share the “Johnson Valley” off-highway (OHV) recreation area in southern California without taking ownership rights to the land. The land has been managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for decades.

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res. 452) at the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils designating July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”