Small Business
FTC and States Sue John Deere for Violating Farmers’ Right to Repair
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Illinois, and Minnesota have filed a joint suit against Deere & Company. More familiarly known as John Deere, the company manufactures agricultural equipment commonly owned by American farmers. The lawsuit alleges that Deere illegally monopolizes the repair market for its…
Read MoreBills Introduced in New Hampshire, New York, and Virginia would Loosen Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components Bills were recently introduced in New Hampshire, New York, and Virginia that would loosen requirements around those states’ vehicle safety inspection programs. New Hampshire House Bill (HB) 209 would exempt a vehicle, purchased from a licensed dealer prior to or during the vehicle’s model year,…
Read MoreConnecticut Bill would Allow Vehicles to Bypass Emissions Inspections
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components SB 290 – a bill introduced in the Connecticut Legislature – would allow vehicles to ignore the state’s vehicle emissions inspection requirements. Specifically, the bill would, “permit the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to register a motor vehicle even if such motor vehicle is not in…
Read MoreMissouri Bills Pre-Filed Ahead of Legislative Session would Impact Auto Repairers
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components State legislative lawmakers in Missouri have already introduced a number of bills that could impact automotive repair shops directly or indirectly if they become law. Missouri’s next legislative session doesn’t start until January 8, 2025, but the state allows their legislators to “pre-file” bills before…
Read MoreMaine Right to Repair Working Group Debates Suggestions it should Provide to the Legislature
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components The Maine Right to Repair Working Group met this week to review a draft report with legislative suggestions that the Maine attorney general would send to elected officials in the state legislature. The attorney general is required by law to submit the report to the…
Read MoreASA Encourages Shops to Recruit Young Techs to Complete TechForce Survey
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components ASA is partnering with the TechForce Foundation on a survey that could help auto repairers recruit and retain the next generation of highly trained technicians. The industry needs auto repairer shops to help with finding technicians and students who will complete the survey. Click here…
Read MoreASA Leaders Provide Insight on Rising Cost of Auto Repairs in Wall Street Journal Article
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components ASA Board Chairman Scott Benavidez and Incoming Chair Dan Stander provided insight on the causes behind the rising costs of automotive repairs in an article published today in the Wall Street Journal. The owners of Mr. B’s Paint and Body Shop in Albuquerque, NM and…
Read MoreMichigan State Senate Passes Bill Regulating Auxiliary Repair Shop Facilities
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components The Michigan State Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 867 on a 38-0 vote last week. It now awaits consideration in the State House. State Senator John Cherry (D) originally introduced SB 867 earlier this year for the primary purpose of making it easier for auto…
Read MoreU.S. Treasury Awards $75 Million Across 14 Jurisdictions for Small Business Credit Access Programs
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components The United States Treasury Department has announced that it is awarding $75 million across fourteen states to support state-run programs that help small businesses access credit. The funding comes from the State Small Business Credit Initiative’s (SSBCI) Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP).…
Read MoreU.S. House Prepping for Vote on Bill Blocking EVs from Tax Credits if Battery has Chinese Origins
International Trade Commission Investigation of Certain Vehicle Parts and Components The U.S. House of Representatives’ Rules Committee will consider advancing H.R. 7980, the End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act of 2024. This bill would disqualify electric vehicles (EVs) from receiving the clean vehicle tax credit if “components contained in the drive battery…
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