ARA Grassroots Network

Become an Automotive Recycler's Advocate!

As an automotive recycler and small business owner in your community, you are uniquely qualified to communicate with your elected federal and state representatives and help them understand the value of recycled auto parts. It is important that decision makers have access to valid, reliable information about quality recycled auto parts -- and hearing from ARA members is the first step. Concerns expressed by constituents help influence a legislator's position. When professional automotive recyclers across the country speak with one consistent voice, our industry has more influence and impact on decision makers.

Follow the Latest News!

Many state legislatures have adjourned for the 2013 legislative session, while others are ramping up their activity.  It has been a busy year for the industry and ARA, along with its affiliated state chapters, has diligently monitored, tracked and responded to legislation in all 50 states that could have had an impact on the professional automotive recycling industry and the operation of ARA member businesses.  An overview of recent activity is below. 

Salvage Acquisition

Legislators in Ohio are once again discussing their state's salvage vehicle laws.  As expected, legislators again introduced a bill to open the state's salvage vehicle auctions to persons other than licensed motor vehicle salvage dealers.  House Bill 128 was introduced on April 16 and contains many identical provisions to Senate Bill 273 from the 2012 legislative session.  Last year the Ohio House of Representatives adjourned in mid-December without casting a vote on SB 273, marking the end of an extensive grassroots advocacy effort on the part of Ohio's professional automotive recyclers.  HB 128 was introduced by a current and past member of the House Insurance Committee.  Stakeholder meetings began in May. 

Scrap Metal:

Several states are taking steps to address scrap metal theft and regulate the sale of scrap metals this year.  ARA activity has focused on how any proposed licensing and reporting requirements may impact automotive recyclers.  ARA is currently tracking scrap metal bills in several other states, including: Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington. 

Airbags

Legislation targeting the sale and installation of counterfeit airbags was introduced in Maryland, Connecticut, New Mexico and New York this year.  While legislators in Maryland and New Mexico adjourned without taking further action on MD House Bill 885 and NM House Bill 118, elected officials in Connecticut and New York are still actively discussing the issue.  Automotive recyclers in New York have been reaching out to their representatives in support of Senate Bill 3779, which  creates procedures for motor vehicle airbag safety, incorporates guidelines from ARA's Airbag Protocol, ARAPRO, and would allow for the sale and installation of recycled, non-deployed OEM airbags in the state of New York.

To recieve the most up-to-date information about legislative and regulatory activities in your state, join ARA's Grassroots Network by contacting Director of State Government and Grassroots Affairs, Jessica Thomas (jessica@a-r-a.org, 571-208-0428), or fill out the information at the bottom of this page. 

Grassroots and Government Affairs Resources

Grassroots Action Center

Grassroots Toolkit

ARA Monthly Capitol Report

Contribute to the ARA Defense Fund

Contribute to the ARA PAC
 

Staff:
Jessica Thomas, Director, State Government  and Grassroots Affairs jessica@a-r-a.org
 

Contact ARA Government Affairs Grassroots