sema-action-network-df-2012-08-legislative

Iowa Ethanol/Exhaust Noise/Historic Registration: SEMA-opposed legislation in Iowa to change requirements on gas pumps across the state to only require labeling for unblended gasoline and E85 officially died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Current law in Iowa requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. If the bill had been enacted into law, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasing the risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. In addition, SEMA-model legislation that would have allowed Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was not given committee consideration before the legislature adjourned for the year. Similarly, a bill to allow any vehicle that is 25 years old or older and used only for exhibition, entertainment or educational purposes to be registered for a minimal annual $5 fee was also not given consideration.

New York Hobbyist Bills: At adjournment of this year’s legislative session, the New York State Legislature failed to complete action on a series of bills that would have had an impact on the automotive hobby. Among these bills are measures to allow historical vehicle owners to only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration; SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles; legislation to provide for the issuance of special historic vehicle plates to be issued to owners for display on a trailer towing the historic vehicle; and a SAN-opposed bill to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions.