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CAA Lobbyist Discusses New CA Laws for 2019 by Ed Attanasio
Every year, hundreds of new laws are enacted that impact California’s automotive repair shops, both collision and mechanical. From huge MSOs to independent shops, these laws have the potential to influence collision repair centers everywhere if they don’t adapt and adhere to these new laws. Jack Molodanof, an attorney and lobbyist who has distinguished himself in areas of automotive legislative and regulatory law over the past 30 years, is the go-to lawyer/lobbyist in California for the automotive
repair industry and represents several statewide automotive associations, including the California Autobody Association (CAA), Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) and the California Automotive Business Coalition (Cal-ABC). Molodanof also serves on the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Advisory Group, which provides input on BAR programs. Below is a short summary highlighting some key measures that take effect in 2019, unless otherwise noted. Minimum Wage Increase: Reminder See New CA Laws, Page 20
Speakers at SCRS’ Ideas Collide Discuss Their Visions for Industry’s Future by John Yoswick
An automated system that can detect tiny dents or other vehicle “anomalies” within seconds. Collision parts being ordered within minutes of a crash. A not-for-profit data repository that would ensure shops have long-term access to their job file records. These were among the topics covered in a unique TED Talk-style presentation at “Ideas Collide,” a new session that the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) hosted during SEMA in Las Vegas in
AUTOBODYNEWS.COM
Vol. 9 / Issue 11 / February 2019
FL State Rep Jason Fischer Files Comprehensive Bill Promoting Autonomous Vehicles State Rep. Jason Fischer filed the first autonomous vehicle—aka selfdriving car—legislation of the 2019 Legislative Session. Submitted Jan. 17, the bill (HB 311) includes several provisions to get autonomous vehicles, or AVs, rolling on Florida roadways—even if there isn’t a person in a passenger seat. It defines many terms in the statute, including “automated driving systems” and “fully autonomous vehicles,” the former describing the hardware and software backbone of AVs and the latter being any vehicle equipped with such a system that is able to function without anybody on board. If an AV is involved in a crash, they would be exempt from certain laws so long as the car or a person contacts a law enforcement agency.
Additionally, Fischer’s bill would also open the door for an automated ride-sharing platform and allow The Florida Turnpike Enterprise to “fund, construct and operate test facilities” to study AV technology. The Florida Turnpike Enterprise is currently partnered with Florida Polytechnic University, the Florida Department of Transportation and Central Florida Automated Vehicle Partners to run the SunTrax testing facility, which is expected to open in April. “Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and Florida has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of autonomous vehicle policy. Autonomous technology has the capability to eliminate human error on our roadways, making everyday modes See First Legislation, Page 4
Challenges of Processing Hail or Other Catastrophe Claims Among Discussion at Recent CIC
timating system,” but McDonnell said “cat team” claims handlers aren’t With another hail season approach- always aware of that. ing, a panel discussion at last No“We had to go through that vember’s Collision Industry [PDR] company for a supConference (CIC) offered plement,” McDonnell said. insights from shops, insur“We sent it to them and they ers and paintless dent repair took off a significant amount. companies on reducing fricThey said, ‘We have an tion related to catastrophe agreement [with the insurer claims after a major storm. involved] and you don’t get paid for those things.’ I had Matthew McDonnell Montana shop to call them and tell them, of Big Sky Collision in Monowner Matthew tana described some of the McDonnell said not ‘We have a different regulaall those helping tion in Montana. You cannot challenges of working on an insurer handle disregard repair operations, such “cat team” claims, such catastrophe claims and I just want to let you as those managed by a paintafter a storm will know you’re inconsistent less dent repair company. be aware of laws and regulations in with Montana law.’ They Since 2011, for example, the state in which said, ‘Oh, I don’t have to Montana has had a law that they are working follow Montana law.’” prohibits an insurer from But although some states may “unilaterally disregard(ing) a repair operation or cost identified by an esSee Processing Hail, Page 30 by John Yoswick
Pete Tagliapietra of NuGen IT suggested the industry develop a not-for-profit data repository to give shops long-term access to their job file records and other data
November. SCRS invited 10 speakers to offer ideas or visions related to See SCRS’ Ideas Collide, Page 26
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