The SEMA Action Network has learned that the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee will likely not take further action this year on legislation (H.B. 550) that originally threatened to further limit the use of “historic motor vehicles.” A final action could be taken today (March 8, 2012) to set the bill aside for a summer study. The Senate will follow suit. Often, these studies are where bad bills go to die. However, we have committed to Del. Kirill Reznik that we will continue to participate in efforts to help enact an amended version of H.B. 550 next year that will allow these vehicles to continue to be eligible for the historic class upon their 20th year; not require collector insurance policies and retain the “occasional use” provision.
Make no mistake about it; this decision by the committee represents a significant victory for the collector car hobby in Maryland. Your voices, e-mails and committee testimony were heard!
Thank you and congratulations to all who participated in opposing this bill!