Contact:	Caroline Holland (202) 543-1440 c.holland@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-14 Feb. 21, 2008

Oklahoma House Subcommittee Stops Right to Repair Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 21, 2008 - Oklahoma House Bill 2820, creating the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act, was heard Feb. 19 by the House Economic Development and Financial Services' Subcommittee on Industry and Labor. Rep. Daniel Sullivan introduced the bill Feb. 4. The subcommittee voted against the bill by a vote of 7-0.

ASA believes Right to Repair legislation in Oklahoma would interfere with the voluntary, industry-supported service information process in place since the ASA-Automaker Agreement, which protects independent repairers and consumers. The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) already accommodates identification and correction of gaps involved in the access of automotive service information, diagnostic tools and equipment, and training.

Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), presented testimony Oct. 26, 2007, as part of an opposition panel to last session's Right to Repair Bill, OK H.B. 1584. During his testimony, Pyle outlined the history of service information and how the relationship between independent repairers and automobile manufacturers has progressed since the 2002 ASA-Automaker agreement. Pyle said, "ASA believes we have an agreement with the automakers that is working in today's highly technical marketplace. The NASTF is an industry process allowing us to work together in an environment of problem solving versus regulation and litigation."

To view the legislation, visit ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. The bill can be found under "Track Legislation" by clicking on "Oklahoma."

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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