Georgia Governor Signs Milestone Vehicle Suspension Law
From left: Rep. Scott Hilton, Fox Factory Chief Legal Officer Toby Merchant, Christian Robinson of SEMA, and Rep. Matt Dubnik.
By Christian Robinson
The recent signing of SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp represents both a legal milestone and a testament to the significant impact of industry involvement in shaping legislative outcomes. This victory underscores why active participation in SEMA's advocacy efforts is crucial for the automotive community.
The previous law in Georgia, with its unclear 2-in. suspension height limit based on an elusive "factory recommendation," posed significant challenges for vehicle owners, law enforcement agencies and automotive businesses. The law’s ambiguity hindered safe vehicle modifications and stifled economic growth and innovation within the sector. Moreover, the law's vagueness left businesses open to potential lawsuits, adding a layer of legal risk that hampered investment and development.
Rallying Industry Advocates
Recognizing these challenges, SEMA rallied its members, including industry leaders like Fox Factory, to advocate for SB 352, which state Senator Lee Anderson and state Representative John Carson sponsored. Fox Factory, headquartered in Georgia, is a market leader in performance-defining ride dynamics for various vehicles, including trucks and Jeeps. They invest significantly in innovation and manufacturing, with operations in 12 countries and approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. In Georgia alone, Fox Factory has four locations and about 1,400 employees.
One of the notable contributions Fox Factory has made to Georgia's economy is its investment of more than $100 million in a new, approximately 240,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility and equipment. This investment has not only created more than 1,500 new jobs in Georgia but has also strengthened the state's position as a hub for automotive innovation and manufacturing.
Fox Factory's commitment to legislative advocacy was evident when they hosted their local lawmakers, Representatives Matt Dubnik and Scott Hilton, at their facility to discuss the importance of SB 352. Additionally, Fox Factory testified in support of the bill when it was heard in the House Motor Vehicles Committee, emphasizing the benefits of clear and consistent regulations for vehicle suspension modifications.
“Fox Factory is proud to support the enactment of SB 352, a law that brings much-needed clarity and consistency to vehicle suspension modifications in Georgia. By collaborating with SEMA and engaging with local lawmakers, we were able to advocate for a law that benefits both businesses and consumers. This facilitates Georgia businesses to comply with the applicable law,” said Tom Fletcher, president of the Aftermarket Applications Group at Fox Factory.
Quick and Decisive Action
Greg Adler, owner of Off Road Warehouse, praised SEMA's quick and decisive action in addressing Georgia's restrictive lift law.
“Upon learning of Georgia’s ultra-restrictive 2-in. lift law, my first call was to the SEMA public and government affairs team. [SEMA Vice President of Public and Government Affairs] Karen Bailey-Chapman and [SEMA Senior Director of State Government Affairs and Grassroots] Christian Robinson jumped in to help in what otherwise would have devastated the industry. Without their help, I would have to close my business’ location in Georgia. I spoke with other off-road shop owners who had the same concerns about the liability due to such restrictions. They were thrilled that SEMA was taking on this fight and happy to sign a letter to lawmakers. SEMA’s quick and decisive action was amazing, and in a short time, they were able to pass legislation aligning Georgia with other states,” said Adler.
Adler's efforts were instrumental in garnering support for SB 352. He successfully recruited more than 20 businesses in Georgia to join the advocacy effort. This collaborative approach demonstrated the unity and strength of the community and showcased the power of collective action in influencing legislative outcomes.
SB 352 charts a clear course forward by replacing the subjective 2-in. limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement, addressing the regulatory ambiguities that previously hindered safe vehicle modifications and economic growth in Georgia's industry.
Making an Impact
The economic impact of our industry in Georgia is substantial. The specialty parts industry contributes significantly to the state's economy, with a total economic output of $11.63 billion, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs and contributing $1.39 billion in taxes. This underscores the vital role of SEMA’s supporters in driving economic growth, job creation, and tax revenue in Georgia's automotive sector.
Robinson emphasized the pivotal role of community involvement in achieving legislative victories like SB 352. "SEMA applauds Governor Kemp and Georgia lawmakers for enacting SB 352, a vital step in modernizing vehicle suspension laws. This success underscores the power of local engagement in shaping favorable legislative outcomes," he stated.
The enactment of SB 352 not only resolves regulatory ambiguities but also cements Georgia's reputation as a welcoming hub for automotive enthusiasts and a responsible and innovative industry champion. This legislative win is a compelling example of how SEMA’s community can influence legislation directly impacting their businesses and passions.
A Template for the Future
Moving forward, SEMA encourages more supporters to actively participate in shaping regulatory environments favorable to the automotive community. By leveraging collective strength and influence, SEMA and its supporters can continue to drive positive change, promote innovation, and ensure a thriving industry ecosystem that benefits businesses, consumers, and the economy as a whole.
SEMA's impact extends beyond Georgia, with nationwide initiatives and advocacy efforts promoting a vibrant automotive community. Through partnerships, collaborations, and grassroots engagement, SEMA remains at the forefront of advocating for policies that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and consumer choice in the automotive sector.
The signing of SB 352 in Georgia represents a significant victory for our community, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement in legislative processes. By working together and advocating for common goals, SEMA supporters can continue to shape the future of the automotive industry, driving economic growth, innovation, and responsible regulation.