On Tuesday, June 1, the California state assembly voted 77-1 in support of AB 471 (Low, D-Silicon Valley) and moved the CAWA-sponsored legislation over to the state senate for review and consideration.

In summary, AB 471:

• Protects Consumers and Enhances Current Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Programs. AB 471 focuses on the protection of consumers and enhancing current BAR programs by easily verifying and identifying auto repair shops that have proper training and certification credentials;

• Improves BAR Citation and Fine Program. The bill improves the current citation and fine regulatory program by creating an independent citation conference panel to review citations; allows BAR to certify providers that train auto repair dealers; and provides opportunity for repair shops to attend training for minor paperwork citation violations, similar to traffic school; and

• Protects Consumers who Purchase Revived Salvage Vehicles. Combines and renames the current brake and lamp program to the vehicle safety inspection program and provides BAR the authority to develop additional inspection criteria through regulation.

AB 471 also is co-authored by Assemblyman Heath Flora (R-Ripon). The legislation moved out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, as well as the Assembly Appropriations Committee without opposition and amidst strong support from both republicans and democrats, prior to successfully moving off the assembly floor. The legislation will be heard by the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development regarding policy issues prior to moving to the Senate Appropriations Committee for fiscal review. After a full vote by the Senate on the floor of their house, the bill would move to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. The legislature adjourns on September 10, 2021, and the Governor will have until October 10, 2021 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.

In addition to sponsor CAWA – Representing the Automotive Parts Industry, AB471 is co-sponsored by Auto Care Association, Automotive Service Councils of California, Automotive Oil Change Association, California Automotive Business Coalition, California Autobody Association, Automotive Service Association, The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, California Tire Dealers Association, and the Independent Automotive Professionals Association.