California Scraps Aftermarket Parts Bill

SACRAMENTO - Following a successful opposition effort by the California Autobody Association (CAA) last week, Assembly Bill 1852 has been shelved indefinitely by Assemblyman Leland Yee (D-San Francisco). Promoted as a way to lower vehicle crash-repair costs, A.B. 1852 was meant to reduce the use of more expensive OE crash-repair parts and to encourage sales of aftermarket brands.

The bill, which was sponsored by the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), would have created a state-sanctioned process to certify that an aftermarket part is of like kind and quality to its OE counterpart. The CAA argued that the bill would have a negative impact on collision repairers and consumers, and would only benefit insurance companies.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Yee said that he has derailed A.B. 1852 until critics' questions are resolved and consumer benefit is assured. He said he does not expect to reactivate the bill this year, but he did not rule out the possibility.