The Ohio Senate’s Transportation, Commerce and Labor Committee held a second hearing on Senate Bill (SB) 37. If enacted, S.B. 37 would extend the jurisdiction of the Motor Vehicle Repair Board (MVRB) to include mechanical repairers.
Under current law, only collision repair facilities are required to register with the MVRB. This loophole for mechanical repairers has allowed “backyard” operators to undercut legitimate businesses by avoiding compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) laws and Ohio’s environmental standards. Because many of these “backyard” shops do not pay taxes or workers’ benefits, there is an uneven playing field in the marketplace between these operators and law-abiding shop owners. S.B. 37 would ensure that all automotive repair professionals are adhering to a uniform set of service and safety standards.
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) strongly supports this legislation. ASA encourages Ohio’s mechanical repairers to visit the Alert section of ASA’s legislative website, then select “Ohio – Ohio Legislature Considers Mechanical Registration” and send a letter to their state legislators in support of S.B. 37.
In a letter to the committee, James Chilcoat, ASA Ohio President, explained that the expansion will benefit consumers who have had a problem with a repair facility, “Consumer complaints are something that nearly every industry must face. The auto repair industry is no exception. In fact, despite our best efforts, consumer complaints will likely continue as vehicles become more complex and repairs become more difficult to do correctly.”
Chilcoat’s letter continued, “Unlike in the past, there is no such thing as an “easy repair” as everything is now linked to a computer system. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize every resource available to ensure our customers are protected. The Motor Vehicle Repair Board is one of those resources. SB 37 will make the Board more effective and allow it to help even more consumers. I urge your support and encourage you to contact me with any questions.”