LEGISLATIVE FRONT LINES
2017: The Year in Review
The automotive community's ability to enjoy vehicles of all kinds is impacted continuously by laws and regulations. Accordingly, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has influenced state and federal proposals affecting enthusiasts nationwide since 1997. Over the past 20 years, long battles have been waged over "Cash for Clunker" initiatives, unfair exhaust-noise restrictions, excessive taxes, titling and registration problems, backyard builds, racing and a slew of other issues. In fact, bills threatening the hobby in multiple states were killed by SAN forces—some in less than 24 hours. The following details the SAN's successes across the country on its platinum anniversary.
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Legislative Front Lines
Click here for the complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.
- California Introduces Bill to Ban All Combustion Engines
- Wisconsin Introduces Single License Plate Bills
- Pro-Hobby Bills Reintroduced in New York Assembly as Legislature Reconvenes
- Washington Introduces Bill to Allow Personalized Collector Car Plates
- Iowa Bill to Expand Single License Plate Usage Introduced
- Wisconsin Bill Allowing Hobbyists to Purchase Salvage Vehicles at Auction Has Been Introduced
- New York Reintroduces Bill to Provide for One-Time Historic Vehicle Registration Fee
- New Regulations in Maryland Extend Exemptions for Emissions Inspections
- New Jersey Pro-Hobby Bills Die as New Legislative Session Convenes
- Illinois Bill to Allow Single Plate for Secondary Vehicles Dead as Legislature Adjourns
- Rhode Island Bill to Substantially Raise Registration Fees for Antique Motor Vehicles Dies as Legislature Adjourns
SEMA SAN Strike Force
David Brill and his wife Gayle stand proudly with their Alpine Green 1988 Jaguar XJ40 Vanden Plas.
David Brill became a "car guy" after building his first model car at age four: a '65 MB 280 SL. He says, "I've owned "muscle cars, trucks, British cars, German cars and full-on rock buggies." The current fleet includes an '88 Jaguar XJ40 Vanden Plas, '76 MGB, '85 280 SL, '61 Bugeye Sprite, '87 Toyota Rock Buggy, '97 Toyota Landcruiser and '05 Toyota XRS used in autocross. Brill's bucket list includes a Lotus Esprit, while his ultimate dream car is a Jaguar C-Type. "I'd even take a well-built replica," he explains.
David started a four-wheel-drive (4WD) club, the Eastern 4 Wheelers, in 1987. "We quickly found the importance of dealing with the legislature and joined EC4WDA, U4WDA, Tread Lightly, ORBA and SEMA," he recalls. "Through the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and the other national 4WD organizations, I learned how to speak the lawmakers' lingo and write letters, make calls, attend hearings, etc. Attending meetings of trade-based groups has underscored the importance of such organizations to enthusiasts and the industry alike. If it's illegal to modify our cars and trucks or use them on our public lands, many of the businesses that we buy from, small and large, would simply be eliminated. We're in the fight together."
In time, Brill's focus shifted from trucks and 4WD vehicles to classic cars. An old Jaguar XJ6 led to his current show car: the '88 Jaguar that appears in the photo above. He and his wife and joined the Jaguar Club of Southern New England (JCSNE) with the idea that he would merely enjoy the club as a casual member. "My inner self wouldn't allow me to sit idly by—within two years I was asked to take on the position of club president, a position I still hold some eight years later. In the same time, I started a small business finding old cars and assisting the owners in selling their classic/specialty vehicles, called AutoArcheologist.com."
JCSNE was easily convinced by David to join the Connecticut Council of Car Clubs (4C's), a legislative organization of nearly 70 Connecticut car clubs. No stranger to advocacy work, the group's combined efforts have been able to keep a number of recent threatening bills from advancing. "With us enthusiasts all working together, we have easily knocked down these affronts to our hobby," Brill adds. "Most have included vehicle modifications, however, we've recently dealt with upping the tax rate for classic cars and our specialty registrations. Due to my 'training' and experience, I have been able to lead my fellow JCSNE members in writing effective letters to influence our legislators in leaning our way."
It seems that your automotive experiences have come full-circle, David. We're glad you continue to leverage your knowledge for our side!
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