Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: April 19, 2024

Bills on Electronic and Appliance Product Repairs; Regulations:

• California A.B.3139 was reported favorably by committee on April 18, 2024. The bill mandates vehicle manufacturers to enable manual disabling of remote vehicle technologies by drivers inside the vehicle to protect abuse survivors.

• Bills on Workforce:
  

• California A.B.2011 had its first reading in the Senate on April 18, 2024. This bill expands the small employer family leave mediation pilot program to include allegations of violations regarding reproductive leave loss.
  
• 
  
• California A.B.2751 was reported favorably by committee on April 18, 2024. This legislation requires employers to establish a policy allowing employees to disconnect from work communications during nonworking hours.

• Bills on Catalytic Converters:
  

• Illinois H.B.4589, referred to Senate committee on April 17, 2024, aims to prevent the repeal of the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Act and includes "catalytic converter" in the definition of "essential parts".
  
• 
  
• Iowa S.F.2441 had an amendment proposed on April 18, 2024. Similar to H.F.2707, it deals with transactions involving used catalytic converters.
  Iowa H.F.2707 had an amendment proposed on April 19, 2024. This bill focuses on the transactions involving used catalytic converters.
  
  
• 
  

  Bills on Right to Repair and Equipment:
  

• Maine L.D. 2289 was signed by the governor on April 16, 2024. It resolves to establish an Automotive Right to Repair Working Group.
  
• 
  
• Colorado HB24-1121 had its second reading in the Senate on April 17, 2024. This legislation expands right-to-repair laws to include digital electronic equipment with specific exemptions.

• Bills on PFAS and Chemicals:
  

• California A.B.2686 was referred to Assembly committee on April 15, 2024. The bill imposes a discounted hazardous waste generation and handling fee for specific project types until January 1, 2026.
  
• California A.B.2699 was reported favorably by the committee on April 16, 2024. It revises hazardous material reporting requirements, transferring responsibilities to the California Environmental Protection Agency.
• Colorado SB24-081 was passed by the House on April 17, 2024. The bill repeals exemptions allowing the use of PFAS-containing class B firefighting foam by certain facilities from 2025.
• California S.B.1143 was referred to a Senate committee on April 18, 2024. The bill initiates a producer responsibility program for hazardous waste products, requiring a comprehensive management system
  
• 
  

  State News This Week
  

  Thirty state legislatures are in regular session.

  Maine will join a group of states that hope to circumvent the electoral college in favor of the national popular vote, after Gov. Janet Mills (D) allowed a bill to become law without her signature. Maine joins 16 other states and the District of Columbia in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, accounting for 209 of the 270 electoral votes they need for the compact to take effect.

  Michigan Democrats won two special elections in the Metro Detroit area on Tuesday, giving them the votes to reclaim a majority in the state House. Macomb County Commissioner Mai Xiong (D) and Westland City Councilman Peter Herzberg (D) won their respective races, giving Democrats a 56-54 House majority.

  Indiana's Republican gubernatorial primary is already the most expensive in state history. With less than three weeks to go until the primary, Republican candidates have spent more than $14.9 million on the contest to replace outgoing Gov. Eric Holcomb (R), led by former Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers (R), who loaned his own campaign $10 million.
  
  

  Statehouse Automobile Reports
  

  Republican governors from six states, including Tennessee's Bill Lee, issued a joint statement opposing the United Auto Workers' efforts to unionize southern automotive factories, citing concerns over potential job losses and reduced investment, just as Volkswagen workers in Tennessee prepare for a union vote.

  Governor Andy Beshear (D) of Kentucky recently signed legislation prohibiting certain incentives in auto glass repair claims, aiming to curb unethical practices and ensure fair pricing, as the state seeks to align with similar laws in other regions.

  Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) celebrated the opening of a new Club Car electric vehicle manufacturing facility, marking an increase in job opportunities and furthering the state's commitment to sustainable transportation.

  Kentucky lawmakers have overridden Governor Andy Beshear's veto, paving the way for autonomous vehicles on state roads by 2026, despite concerns about safety and the need for a human driver during initial testing phases.
  
  For questions, email [email protected].