Issues
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 products by making its software scan and repair tool available…
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, from the state’s vehicle safety inspection requirement for at least…
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 compliance with the emissions inspection requirements.” SB 290 was introduced…
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 the session begins, which makes it easier for lawmakers to…
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 legislature by February 28, 2025. At issue in the report…
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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 to access the survey Why this survey is so important:…
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 FIX Auto Highlands Ranch in Littleton, CO, respectively, Benavidez and…
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 repairers to operate auxiliary facilities. Under current law, repair shops…
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). This competitive grant program aims to connect underserved and very…