March 20, 2014—A Maryland House committee voted against a bill that would prohibit insurer mandated parts procurement processes or specification of vendors, and limit the use of aftermarket parts during the first three years of the vehicle.
The House committee on economic matters voted 16-7 against the measure, Bill 574.
Despite the vote, legislative liaisons for the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) said they remain encouraged by MD legislators' reaction to understanding collision consumer issues.
The bill now returns to the floor of its chamber of origin, along with a report of committee action for consideration.
The collision repairers were represented by WMABA's executive director Jordan Hendler and Hannah Garagiola, WMABA's lobbyist and government relations consultant.
The primary opponents of the bill were several insurers, including the Property Casualty Insurance Association (PCIA), LKQ Corporation and the Certified Aftermarket Parts Association (CAPA).
Of the insurers actively opposing the bill, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide and USAA were the most vocal.
WMABA said the opposition focused on the increased costs associated with properly indemnifying their policyholders losses.
WMABA said it encourages all repairers to view the video, in addition to the voting record to further understand the legislative decision.
