Taking The Hill
Uniform Titling Bills Discussed in Senate
The United States Senate Commerce Committee has canceled a mark-up meeting for National Uniform Titling legislation. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott has recently introduced Senate Bill 655, which is similar to his titling legislation introduced in the last Congress. Sen. Diane Feinstein has introduced Senate Bill 678, which advances the definition of a salvage vehicle to having an accident impacting 65 percent or more of the vehicle's fair market value. The Feinstein legislation also applies to all vehicles. There are no age or value restrictions as in the Lott bill. S. 678 has a 90 percent definition for a non-repairable vehicle and includes a post-repair inspection program.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain is trying to work out a compromise between the Lott and Feinstein bills. The Automotive Service Association is working with the National Association of Independent Insurers in seeking a practical approach to uniform titling reform.
Small Business Liability Legislation Introduced
Senators Abraham and Lieberman have introduced legislation proposing a $250,000 limit on punitive damages for small business. It provides protection from product-related injuries for non-manufacturing product sellers. The Small Business Liability Reform Act of 1999 is supported by the Automotive Service Association and the Small Business Legislative Council.
Auto Choice Legislation Introduced
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey have introduced their Auto Choice legislation that attempts to give consumers a "choice" as to several types of auto insurance policies. Specifically, these choices are based on liability restrictions for the consumer. The bill numbers are Senate Bill 837 and House Resolution 1475.
ASA is concerned that the bills do not address other consumer choice concerns such as replacement crash parts and consumers having the choice of their repair facility. The legislation will be opposed by trial lawyers and some insurers.
Read more about Auto Choice in this month's legislative article.
ASA Meets with Tax Policymakers
The Automotive Service Association met recently with top staff from the House Ways and Means Committee to discuss long-term tax policy for small businesses.
ASA is committed to long-term tax solutions for the small business community and has supported the Small Business Legislative Council's efforts for tax reform. ASA commends U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer for his commitment to aggressive reform of the U.S. Tax Code.
ASA will continue to work in a coalition of small business associations to better the economic plight of its members.
US DOT to Open Center on Environment
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced plans to establish a center for global climate change and environmental forecasting. The purpose of the new center is to deal with issues related to carbon dioxide and fossil-fuel emissions. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater commented that the agency needs the ability to conduct scientific research, and gauge the benefits of emerging technologies and alternative fuels.
Auto Choice Could Impact Collision Industry || Repair Rebuild or Replace? || Working Together || Staying Informed: Part II || Guest Editorial || Tech to Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking the Hill || Around ASA || Net Worth || Stat Corner || Shop Profile || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XIVII, June 1999
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