June 29, 2012—CAWA, a trade organization in California, Nevada and Arizona promoting the automotive aftermarket industry, announced a victory over a California bill that would have restricted access to some aftermarket parts.
The bill failed to pass the California Assembly floor by a vote of 29 to 25, with 41 votes needed to pass. The bill, SB 750, would have allowed automakers to refuse electronic key code information to locksmiths. This would require drivers to contact the automaker directly to get replacement keys.
“The key is much more than the instrument that enables one to start their vehicle,” said Steve Sharp, CAWA board chairman. “The key is coded with security information that is tied into the vehicles computer system and will disable a number of auto components including in some cases the transmission, making the vehicle immobile as well as preventing a vehicle from being started after certain major repairs.”
In addition to creating problems for consumers, the bill would have also created anti-competitive forces for the automotive repair industry, according to a news release_notes.
“SB 750 is eligible and may be brought up again by the Assembly so CAWA will continue to remain vigilant in our lobbying and grassroots efforts to defeat this anti-consumer, anti-competitive measure,” said Rodney Pierini, CAWA president and CEO.
