LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

Fighting the Good Fight

In the 25-plus years that I have represented AASPMN at the State Capitol, we have always taken a proactive approach in developing our agenda, driven by member concerns.

Whether it has been strengthening our anti-steering laws, determining the point of imposition of sales tax on paint and materials, establishing and defending salvage title thresholds, fighting for a more reasonable method for parts procurement or trying to establish original equipment manufacturer guidance for repair procedures, AASP-MN has been the only, and sometimes lonely voice, for the repair industry.

We have consistently taken our concerns to the Department of Commerce. We have routinely met with the Commissioner of Commerce whether it be a Democrat or Republican Administration. We have invited department staff to present to the association in various settings. In short, the department knows and relies on AASP-MN as a resource in the field of insurance claims processing.

Even with a positive working relationship, the department has always taken the view that their primary role is to protect the consumer, not referee conflicts between the collision repair industry and the insurance industry. They have made it abundantly clear that they need evidence of improper action by insurers to commit limited department resources to investigating complaints.

For its part, AASP-MN has tried to facilitate this process by creating forms for shops and their customers to use in gathering and documenting information when insurers have crossed the line. The department has pursued cases and imposed penalties when properly supported by appropriate evidence.

The work of changing the state law governing insurance claims practices and other industry concerns has been a particularly challenging fight.

Over the years, members have done a good job of reaching out to their legislators. You are the main street businesspeople who live and work in the communities that the legislators represent. We have hosted many legislators at repair shops in their legislative districts. We have worked hard to educate legislators about the repair industry. Most of them know little or nothing about it when they take office. This effort to educate legislators must continue.

If anything, we carry a bigger burden to prove our case at the legislature than most industries due to the influence of the well-financed insurance lobby who has both their very capable association lobbyists as well as contract lobbyists employed by individual companies.

It’s a David versus Goliath battle, but if we mobilize effectively, the repair industry can win battles at the Capitol.

So, the keys to success are being proactive, mobilizing effectively and gathering evidence in support of our position. This is what we’ve always done, but our prospects for success will be enhanced if we redouble our efforts.