March 2, 2011 — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is taking a stand against a proposal in Georgia that would create a new sales tax on the labor costs for services performed by automotive repair facilities.
House Bill 385, introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives, would also create a tax on services at other small businesses.
ASA has also come out against a Right to Repair bill introduced in the Oregon House of Representatives that would require vehicle manufacturers to make tools, information, software and wireless capabilities available to owners, owner designees and repair shops. That includes other means to activate, code or program electronic controls, and modules used to diagnose, maintain and repair vehicles, according to the ASA. The legislation would rely on the state court system to make sure independent shops have the information needed to make repairs.
The ASA said independent repairers already have access to third-party information providers and manufacturer websites. They can also go to the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) with concerns about service information, tools and training.
ASA is urging its members to contact their representatives in opposition to each of the proposed bills. For more information on industry-related legislation, visit takingthehill.org.
