Feb. 27, 2017—The Arkansas House Insurance and Commerce Committee voted down a bill that would have repealed the requirement of the use of OEM parts in the repair of a vehicle that is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, unless the vehicle owner has given written consent otherwise.
Arkansas Senate Bill (SB) 291, introduced by state Sen. Greg Standridge, R-16, was voted down by a voice vote. The committee upheld written consent as an important tool for consumers, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) reports. SB 291 had passed the state Senate with a 21-9 vote.
The bill faced considerable opposition from Arkansas collision repair shops. On behalf of its Arkansas members, ASA sent a letter to the chairman of the Arkansas House Committee on Insurance and Commerce in opposition to SB 291.
“SB 291 will reverse consumer protections for vehicle owners in the state of Arkansas," Robert L. Redding Jr., ASA Washington, D.C., representative, explained in the letter. "Arkansas is one of a few states that assures vehicle owners have notice as to what types of replacement crash parts are used in the repair of their vehicle and consent to the use of these parts. Vehicle owners deserve notice as to the types of parts used in the repair of their vehicle after an accident. The use of any replacement crash parts should follow only after written consent by the vehicle owner.”
