Legislation seeking to limit the labor rates charged by auto body repair facilities in the state unsuccessful. Two bills seeking to limit hourly rate collision repair facilities can charge for labor both failed to make it out of committee prior to the deadline necessary for them to be considered for adoption. As CollisionWeek reported in […]
Patents at Center of Audatex Lawsuit Against Mitchell Ruled Invalid
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Board rules business processes covering total loss valuations that were at the heart of 2012 patent infringement lawsuit are not patentable. In a ruling filed February 19, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) issued its Final Written Decision in favor of Mitchell International’s petition […]
Interview: Dan Risley, President and Executive Director of the Automotive Service Association
Risley details the association’s regional training events that are kicking off today, provides an update on this summer’s NACE | CARS, and discusses parts procurement legislation pending in Michigan. Earlier this year, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced that it would hold a series of regional training events around the U.S. in 2016. The events […]
Utah Bill Seeks to Allow Unlicensed Salvage Buyers
Proposed legislation would allow unlicensed salvage buyers to register with the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division to purchase salvage vehicles. Utah Senate Bill 174 (SB174) proposes to amend Section 41-3-201 of the Utah code to create a statewide database to report and track the sale of salvage vehicles and allow for the purchase by unlicensed buyers. […]
Mississippi Bills Seek to Limit Collision Repair Labor Rates
Pair of bills before the Mississippi Legislature seek to cap labor rates to national average. Automotive Service Association opposes legislation. Two bills were introduced last week in the Mississippi legislature that would, if passed, limit the labor rates charged by collision repairers in the state. Mississippi Senate Bill 2187 (SB2187), introduced by Senator Videt Carmichael, […]
Michigan House Passes Bill Amending Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act
Legislation updates 1974 law. Includes amendment to proposed certified non-OEM parts requirement. Michigan House Bill 4344 (HB4344), that proposes an extensive update of the state’s Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act, was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a vote of 84-22. The bill, supported by the Automotive Service Association of Michigan […]
Virginia Senate Committee Approves Photo Appraisal Bill
The Virginia Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor approved Senate Bill 193, that would allow the use of photos and video to be used in place of a personal inspection during the automobile insurance claim process. Originally introduced in January, the committee approved a substitute bill on Monday by a vote of 15-0, that expanded […]
Michigan Bill Provision Requiring Non-OEM Parts Certification Supported by Repair Industry, Opposed by Supplier Association
Bill that seeks to update 1974 Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act includes provision requiring third-party certification that parts meet OEM standards. Michigan House Bill 4344, that proposes an extensive update to the state’s 1974 Motor Vehicle Service Repair Act, is drawing opposition from associations representing industry suppliers. The Auto Care Association (ACA) is encouraging […]
PA Senate Hears Testimony on Bill Allowing Use of Photos During Auto Appraisal Process
Insurers support use of photos as modest and logical amendment to 1972 Appraiser Act. Repair facility operators raise safety concerns. The Pennsylvania Senate Banking & Insurance Committee heard testimony from insurers, repairers, appraisers and technology providers on House Bill 1638 (HB1638) at a hearing on the bill held Wednesday. HB1638 proposes to amend the 1972 […]
Industry Donations Improve Pre-Employment Collision Repair Education
Industry support for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s school grant program has made a difference for hundreds collision repair schools and more than 20,000 students studying collision repair since 2009. Industry support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, which will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding this year, has helped collision repair schools overcome […]