[COVER] STORY
by Joel Gausten
In Defense of Consumers: Why ADALB Reform Matters
The collision repair industry is not just about fixing cars; it’s about advocating for and supporting consumers. With this indisputable fact in mind, 2021 will see the continuation of AASP/ MA’s work to dramatically reform the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB). Previously known as Senate Bill 182 (with a new number to come in this upcoming session), AASP/MA’s legislation aims to move the ADALB from the Division of Insurance to the Division of Professional Licensure (where all other professional licenses in the state are maintained). The bill’s purpose aligns with Governor Baker’s executive order “to ensure proper review of the regulation of professional licensing by independent boards.” Additionally, the bill seeks to expand the size of the ADALB to include two consumer advocates, one appointed from the Attorney General’s Office and the other from a consumer advocacy group, and replace the current Board chairman, appointed by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance, with one appointed by the Commissioner of the Division of Professional Licensure. Additionally, it will set term limits for all ADALB members. The current bill has been submitted by Representative Tackey Chan (D-2nd Norfolk), House chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and has been assigned a docket number with a permanent House number to follow.
24 March 2021
New England Automotive Report
At its core, AASP/MA’s current ADALB-related legislation is a consumer-protection tool. It was created to better ensure that critical state regulations pertaining to repair and reimbursement are followed equally by all appraisers – whether they are independent, work for an insurer or represent a collision repair facility. Due to its experience overseeing a host of other trade industries (plumbing, hairdressing, electrical work, etc.), the Division of Professional Licensure has the power to investigate consumer-generated noncompliance issues and enforce licensing requirements – actions that are sorely lacking in the current ADALB structure. And at a time when virtually every facet of American life is financially impacted by COVID-19, there would be no additional costs incurred to enact the bill’s provisions. Over the past several months, various AASP/MA members have brought a personal touch to the association’s goals by having direct conversations with area legislators on the ADALB/DPL bill and other matters of concern. Last fall, current AASP/MA Board member Paul Tuscano (Auto Body Builders; Middleton) and business partner Keith Ells demonstrated their commitment by hosting an in-shop meeting with Senator Bruce Tarr (R-1st Essex and Middlesex), AASP/MA Executive Director Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg and current Board affiliate member Jeff White (North Andover Auto Body). Tuscano was pleased to have the opportunity continued on pg. 26
